Seattle

As most of you can tell by not only my blog name (Pranay’s Seattle Departures), and my various posts on the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle is my home. For essentially my entire life, I have lived in the same house in Seattle. Now I enter into the world of adulthood, leaving not only my home but my childhood behind as I look forward to attending Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. As I live in this transition phase of my life, I find it only appropriate to write a blog post about my favorite place, home. 

Being a resident of the Pacific Northwest comes with all sorts of stereotypes. Yes, I do complain about the gray weather and rain every day while still making fun of those who purchase the travesty that is an umbrella. Yes, I do wear a hoodie, jeans, and sneakers at all times, prepared for the unexpected hike I may embark on. Yes, I do lose all common sense whenever Mt. Rainier is visible on a sunny day. Finally, yes, I do love to hike. 

Speaking of hiking, it became our family’s favorite pastime during the COVID-19 pandemic. It felt like every day we got up to go to someplace to see the elusive Mt. Rainier. I am pretty sure my mom has more pictures of Rainier than of my sister and me ;). Hiking was our way to escape during the pandemic. It allowed us to physically escape the confines of our homes but also escape the mental prison COVID seemed to have put us all in. Either way, while I did often complain about the early mornings when we did go, I certainly did not complain about the views. Seattle is full of natural beauty. The hikes we went on were full of greenery, the trees and plants a reminder of the beauty of mother nature. Sure, while some people may fake fun of the hiking frenzy that is ingrained into PNW culture, I find it to be a way to respect nature, a reminder of the way things used to be. I will certainly miss the natural wonder the PNW gives me.

It’s not just the place that is special to me, it’s the people too. From going with my friends to downtown Seattle late at night, to goofing off with them in class, my school friends have been integral to my life. Playing Kahoot in my CS and Spanish classes was one of my favorite memories. From watching the world cup in my English class to playing card games during lectures in my US History, to blasting Bollywood Music during my Biology class, I certainly goofed off a fair bit. I especially loved making fun of the Giants to my AP World History Teacher, (except when the Seahawks lost to them that year). However, by far, my favorite memories in school all occurred during lunch. Laughing with (and sometimes at) my friends was a highlight of my day. Every dumb joke always seemed significantly funnier when made in front of friends sitting around the lunch table. The amount of dumb videos recorded never ceases to amaze me. Sure, I always complained about going to school every day. Yet, looking back, I will never forget the friends I made along the way. A significant portion of my friends are attending the University of Washington, and I wish them all the best of luck. I will miss all of them.

I certainly do care about all my friends. However, I have 4 friends who are essentially my family. I practically grew up with them. Ever since my family moved to Seattle when I was 6 months old, I have known these people. I could not have asked for a better set of people in my life. From the dumb variations of lava monsters we played in the park, the sleepovers where we annoyed the aunties a little too much, the screaming matches over Monopoly and Settlers of Catan, the name games played during meals, and the keep-up balloon league which was our version of the Super Bowl and so many more memories that will last me a lifetime. Truly, they are like my family, and leaving them behind is maybe the hardest part of leaving for Purdue. I hope to not only take the memories of the past with me but hope to make new ones in the future with these great people.

Finally, a tribute to the people that matter most in my life, my actual family. My dad came to this country and worked incredibly hard to get where he is today. The opportunity to attend a college like Purdue would not have been possible without him. He has worked so hard to give me this opportunity and I hope to make him proud. His sense of humor, love for sports, and work ethic are all things that I love him for and I will dearly miss him in Purdue. My mom is special to me. She gave up an amazing career to raise me. Her kindness and love are second to none. Her self-confidence and assertiveness inspire me to be a better person. The entire reason I have this travel blog is because of her. Her blogging and encouragement inspired me to start this website, and I love her so much for it. She truly is the best mom in the world. While I am sure she will never fail to bother me from Seattle while I am in Purdue, I will miss her as well. Last but not least, my sister. During my graduation party, she gave a rather demeaning speech about me to my friends. However, because I am a bigger person (literally and figuratively), I will not do the same here. My sister is a little bundle of energy in my life, Her smile brightens up the house. Her creativity and artistic talent are inspiring. While she can be a nuisance sometimes, I do love her and will miss her bugging me. I have been given the best family one could ask for, and I love them all dearly. 

I am going to miss home. The places that I know and love, the friends I have made along the way, and the loving family I have are going to be dearly missed. Yet, change is necessary. I have traveled the world and never lived anywhere else but home. Purdue will allow me to grow, to learn, to become an adult. Sure, leaving the people behind will hurt. However, I need to leave the bubble of home and childhood and grow into a true adult. It’s time for Pranay’s Seattle Departures to depart for the cornfields of Purdue University! I’ll see you all from West Lafayette, India. Boiler Up!