The Future with a Capital F and a Bigger Question Mark

September 19, 2017 by Cazey Williams in Cazey's Column, Life In Your 20's, life lessons

I’ve always known I will graduate and there would be a next chapter. I’ve written about it many times—probably too many times. But it’s also been this distant thought, a known that seemed forever far off. My next step never seemed pressing. While I have juggled many ideas of my future, I haven’t had to choose the next exit to take on the road of life. Sure, I’ve adjusted speeds, made maps, and changed the radio station, but I haven’t had to say my destination. I’ve just said I’m going west and thrown out some cities’ names.

“I’m heading to LA,” I’d say one week, and by the end of the week, I’d be saying, “I’m actually going to Santa Fe.” And on Monday? “I’m going to Anchorage!”

Well, that’s no longer the case. Last week I learned of a deadline. My funding expires in June. I graduate in June. The email didn’t say the latter, but that’s what the former means.

What I Wanted To Be Growing Up

August 22, 2017 by Cazey Williams in Cazey's Column, Humor, Life In Your 20's, life lessons

Growing up, I never wanted to be the stereotypical firefighter, policeman, or astronaut. Instead, I dreamed of being:

English teacher. I had a doctor's kit, including a stethoscope, but instead of playing doctor, I would take the syringe and pretend it was pen and mark up invisible papers. I really wanted to teach people where to put commas, not save lives.

The Edge of 25: What's Next?

December 05, 2016 by Cazey Williams in Cazey's Column, Life In Your 20's, life lessons

For the last several months, I lived my life looking forward to one thing: going to Qatar. I found out I would have the opportunity to venture to the Middle East in late April, and ever since then that was the focal point of my calendar. Sure, I had other things planned – a trip to Amsterdam, a trip to Key West, another trip to Chicago, a marathon to run, a half-marathon before that, a dissertation to propose, several friends’ weddings, and friend reunions. But Qatar was the thing I was desperate to see and do and enthrall myself in.

And then I went. And it was awesome (and it has taken me over five weeks since returning to sit down and write about the experience, but I promise, it’s coming). But I got back, thought about my wonderful time there, and then continued lying in bed.

I think it is natural, if not always healthy, to live life living milestone to milestone. We anticipate upcoming big events like the ones listed above. But eventually, you realize you can’t sustain yourself that way. Or at least you probably shouldn’t.