A couple of weeks before Occupy Wall Street began, I decided to design my own rebellion against the lifestyle that I felt forced into by the current recession. So, I quit my job as an adjunct instructor, packed three suitcases, said good-bye to all of my friends and family back in Dayton, and drove to Washington D.C. I wanted a job – the kind that would actually pay my bills and help me start paying off the loans that I accumulated after nearly seven years of college. Who knew if I would find it in D.C., but I had heard that at least the job market was better there, and I had friends who were willing to let me couch surf while I hunted for employment and an apartment. That was better than nothing.
It’s been an interesting journey so far. I found a part-time job within a week of my arrival and I have now rotated to three very different neighborhoods. Right now I’m in Prince George’s County, Maryland staying in an apartment complex where my friends and I are just about the only native English speakers. Africa and Latin America are representing hard here (more about that later). I’ll be honest. I’m scared. I’m in a new place, without a full-time job, or a place to live. But I also know that I haven’t felt this happy and optimistic about my future in a long time. The other day, I tweeted that my optimism is worth fighting for, and it is. It’s my life jacket.
More stories about how I’m making it in D.C. coming soon…
