I have been in a long-term, 20-year committed relationship. I have been a faithful girlfriend, devoted companion and childhood sweetheart ““ not to a man, but to this city, Los Angeles.
But now, as I prepare to take off for my Education Abroad Program in Rome, I think it’s time Los Angeles and I went on a break.
Don’t get me wrong, Los Angeles. You’ve been good to me all these years. We’ve had some good times on the West side, driving down Sunset Boulevard or enjoying the ocean views along the PCH.
You’ve fed me and cared for me by taking me to a plethora of amazing restaurants ““ sushi, vegetarian gourmet, Cuban, and Korean barbecue ““ all within a convenient 5-mile radius.
You’ve consistently revived my restless mind from the perils of boredom by allowing me to escape to local art museums ““ the Getty Center and LACMA.
And you’ve somehow managed to entertain my under-21 psyche by hosting an endless array of reasonably priced concerts, or by offering a couple late-night desserteries like Susina or Milk on Beverly Boulevard.
Somehow, the dazzle and pull of the City of Angels managed to keep me here for the first couple years of my undergraduate experience. Rather than jet off to the realms of winter coats and snow shoveling on the East Coast, I decided to happily remain in my Angeleno bubble here at UCLA.
And for a while, I was satisfied. Being a Bruin provided enough excitement and distraction to completely disregard the negatives of this city ““ namely, the vicious traffic that can easily transform any 20-minute commute into an agonizing hour-long ordeal.
But something changed.
It’s not you, Los Angeles, it’s me. I’ve realized that after 20 years of being completely faithful to my city (ignoring the occasional weekend flings with Portland, Santa Barbara or San Francisco), I need to move on.
I need to see what else is out there in the world. You understand, don’t you Los Angeles?
I can’t say this isn’t a bold move, or one that I’m not anxious about.
After all, the idea of living in a foreign country (despite the fact it will be a temporary, two-quarter-long experience) conjures up mixed feelings of overwhelming excitement and complete panic. Somehow, my pathetically limited Italian vocabulary tarnishes my daydreams about my weekend expeditions to the Roman ruins.
I have never lived abroad. I have never even lived outside of the 310 area code. In fact, my life has somehow managed to sustain itself ““ from birth to Bruinhood ““ within the confines of concrete and coastal breezes, in West Los Angeles.
And as I embark upon what many say is a life-changing experience, I’m not ashamed to say I am nervous about encountering the unknown.
Of course, I know I’m not taking a complete leap in the dark. After all, I am participating in a highly organized, accredited study abroad program, and I will be traveling with fellow Bruins and other UC students.
I have been planning my departure for months. I have spent the past quarter applying for my student visa and preparing my European budget. But somehow, all the planning in the world cannot compare to what I will experience when I am actually abroad. And other Bruins who are abroad can agree.
“I think most people have an idea about studying abroad even before they come to college,” said Phil Garrity, a third-year international development studies student who is currently studying in Chile. “Before I left for Chile, it had seemed like an abstract idea for so long. I was more in disbelief about my trip, and it didn’t hit me that it was actually happening, even when I got here ““ it took a few months.”
For now, I am comforted by the fact that my constantly flip-flopping feelings of confusion and nervousness will melt away into complete elation once I am in Rome.
And while I will still maintain an inkling of love for my good city, Los Angeles, it’s definitely time I shed my insecurities about leaving the West side.
We’ve had a good run, Los Angeles, but there’s only so much more you can offer me right now. But don’t worry, one day I will return, and hopefully we can stay very good friends.
It’s just that I need to explore my options before I can make a long-term commitment. And for the first time in 20 years, I can say that the flash and appeal of the City of Angels pales in comparison to what lies ahead ““ even if I’m not exactly sure what that may be.
If you think Los Angeles deserves a second chance, then e-mail Chung at lchung@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.