My dad is coming up to Boulder today to have a little “date” night. We’re going to talk about life and plans and San Francisco. I can’t wait!
In the meantime, he gave me three questions to think about – “Food for Thought” – was the title of the email. I’ve decided to ponder these questions here.
Q: What is the reason you want to move?
A: This is a tricky question as there are many answers. Let’s start from the beginning. I have lived in Colorado my whole life. I love Colorado. It’s a beautiful place. Boulder is breathtaking. The Rocky Mountains are at my fingertips. Fishing, hiking, camping, snowboarding are all abundant in this state. And they have been for the 22 years I have been alive and living in Colorado. I want to explore. I want to see what it’s like to live somewhere else. I want to uproot myself, get out of my safety bubble, and really live in a new environment. Call it stir-crazy, call it cabin fever, call it whatever you want. I’m ready to expand my knowledge; I’m ready to see the world from a different standing point. I’m ready to truly be on my own.
Q: Why is the only place you are considering San Francisco?
A: When I went to San Francisco about a year ago with my Ga Ga, I fell in love with the city. I fell in love with the food, the theater, the people, the shopping, the hustle and bustle of a big city, the weather, the bay, the pier, Chinatown – the list could go on. I have been on vacation to many cities around the United States. I’ve been to New York, Chicago, L.A., Phoenix, Albuquerque, Cheyenne; but the only place I visited that felt like a home away from home was San Francisco. I arrived there and within 24 hours, I wanted to live there.
San Francisco is a beautifully unique place. It’s somewhat like Boulder when it comes to Liberalism. San Francisco is full of opinions. From the bay to the city, it’s absolutely beautiful. There’s so much to do in San Francisco; such a variety of activities. And it’s the only place I’ve been where you can be in seven different countries in a span of 15 blocks. The diversity is unreal.
I did a lot of work with diversity on the CU campus during my reign as Editor-in Chief. I continued the Student Diversity Advisory Board for the CU Independent which discussed proper ways to discuss diversity and teach about the many differences in people. We, as a staff, held many diversity trainings throughout the year. BUT, nothing teaches you about diversity better than submerging yourself in it. Boulder, unfortunately is not the place to do it. However, San Francisco is.
My goal, as a journalist, is to embrace differences and give all people – no matter their race, ethnicity, religion, ability, sexual preference, whatever the difference may be – a voice. What better place to do so in the heart of the United States’ melting pot?
Q: What is your backup plan?
Now, this one’s a little difficult. You see, and maybe this is a mistake on my part, but I’m not really thinking about a backup plan. I’m focusing on moving to San Francisco and succeeding. I’m truly determined to make this move, try this out, even if it’s just for a little while.
I know I can always move home. Colorado will always be my home. And I am confident that I can find a job, an apartment (for about half the price of one in San Francisco), and be fine here. BUT, I want to try first. I want to put myself out there, outside my comfort zone. If I fail? I’ll come back to Colorado. But, I’m not going to fail. I’m going to be the best damn writer San Francisco has ever seen.
Don’t know you from Adam. However, your father is a wise man. Listen to him. If for no other reason, the crime data is bad. The cost of living higher and the available list of things to do is smaller or at least further away. Owning an auto will be much higher as well as any type of insurance. Housing costs will force you to live in pretty undesirable areas. Your circle of established friends (you can trust) will be much smaller. In short… you will regret the move. I’m sure of it.
Best wishes –
Thanks for writing, I truly liked reading your newest post. I think you should post more frequently, you obviously have talent for blogging!
Actually, I live a few hours from SF, and for the most part it is a great city. I have had the privilege of living in great cities around the world, and truly, SF is in a class of it’s own. Aside from the fact that there are all the advantages that you could want from a big city, there is also everything that you might want from a small town.
Nowhere else does big city life, small town atmosphere, and even country living coincide as much as it does in SF. And while the years of Spanish your father made you take will be useful, any other language you might be able to learn from Urdu, to Mandarin will come in handy too.
Three things to keep in mind,
Keep a small car, you may not be able to afford a regular parking space.
Affordable living does exist, and yes even in nice neighborhoods, as long as you are willing to have roommates.
Don’t forget the rest of California, Mountains taller than the Rockies, Oceans for miles, Castles that rival Europe, Strawberries to die for, Whales, Sharks, Seals, Surf, and the list goes on.