Choose a frame. Focus. Capture.
No seriously, do it. I know I did.
Ever since my parents gifted me my purple Polaroid camera when I was 16, I’ve been obsessed with taking pictures of just about everything. I carried it with me to birthday parties (yes, I went to those at 16), family functions and just messed around with it in my room. Each photo I’ve taken has found its place on my wall. Either it’s hung on my fairy lights over my bed, or it’s stuck to the wall under my bookshelf.
I never thought much of these pictures. They were always just room décor, you know? But it wasn’t until the bad days that I realized the higher purpose these pictures served. Each one of them had a story, and just staring at my polaroid wall has gotten me through some of the toughest days of my life. They remind me of my happy places, the most important people in my life, and the tiny moments that I’m grateful for.
My wall is a reflection of who I am. I hold each picture very close to my heart. But there are 3 in particular, that I love a little more.
Memory 1: My parents.
If you ask any of my friends what they think of me, they’re likely to tell you that I’m the girl who genuinely enjoys studying and reading. It’s not even because I’m stressed about work, but I just enjoy reading and learning more. I guess you could call me a nerd? But I truly believe that part of my personality can be attributed to how my parents met for the first time. Here’s how it went. In 1998, my parents were in the examination room in Mumbai, giving a Business exam. Coincidentally, they ended up sitting right next to each other. Then, just like in a Bollywood movie, my mother couldn’t find a pencil to write with. So she asked my dad for one. One thing led to another, they ended up talking after the exam, going for a date or something, and a year later they got married. So there. My parents met in an exam room, and I’m a nerd. It’s a perfect correlation.
Memory 2: My friends
Before I came to Penn State, I had only ever lived in India. For 10 years of my life, I lived in Delhi. After that, I moved to Mumbai. But it’s safe to say that my formative years were in Delhi. I loved the city, I loved my school and I absolutely loved my friends. They felt like my true family. They were, in every sense of the word, my comfort.
After I moved to Mumbai, I was so sure that I’d lost that. I felt like I would never be able to find a family of my own again. I felt alone for a long time. But it wasn’t long before I found my people. This is quite the anti-climactic story, but my point is, every time I look at these 2 pictures, I am reminded of the fact that I have 2 families now. All of us live miles away now. College warrants that. But no matter what, I know they’ve always got me, and I’ve always got them.
Memory 3: My view
This is the view outside my apartment back home. We lived on the 40th floor (I KNOW! THAT’S HIGH!) My view back home was the perfect amalgamation of Mumbai. Half of it was tree covered lands; the other half was the view of the main road jammed with traffic. Classic Mumbai.
Living in one of the most metropolitan cities in the country is so many things at once. It’s chaotic but exciting; overwhelming but comforting. And I loved every second of it. There isn’t much to say about my city, except that every day, there was something new to look forward to. Either I was exploring a new street, trying different street foods, or meeting new people. Mumbai taught me so much. It helped me grow. It’s my home, that I’ve left behind, but will always be a part of me.
I know so many people believe in the philosophy of putting away your phone or any other picture snapping device, and being in the moment. I beg to differ. Instead, I say, capture everything. Collect all the memories that you know are worth being remembered. And then, put them away safely. When things change in your life, and when you’re growing and experiencing new things, look back at your album. It makes everything so much easier. Trust me, you’re going to be so glad you did this.
September 17, 2018 at 3:39 pm
There is just so much personality in each post. I cannot emphasize how much I enjoy reading your blog and hearing your voice as you talk about these topics. This segment on polaroids and how they have shaped you as a person was really interesting and engaging. I loved how you broke up the post into three segments as if they were three defining chapters in your life each with their own polaroid to accompany them. I am excited to see what you have in store for next week’s post.
September 18, 2018 at 12:48 pm
I really enjoyed this post! I think pictures are a wonderfully relatable topic and I loved how you added your personal stories and personality to this piece. It made me feel like I know you well which is lovely 🙂 It was also very well separated and you were able to share personal details without launching into complex personal anecdotes that would lose the reader. Overall this was a great post and I look forward to reading your future posts!
September 19, 2018 at 2:32 pm
Wow another great blog post. I really love your creative intros to your blog posts. In both your previous blog post and this new one, I felt that the intro really drew me into the post and got me very interested in what you had to say. I like how you incorporate your personality into your writing; the way you introduced a sarcastic tone when describing the connection between your parents meeting and your nerdiness was really funny. I also thought that the two pictures of your two families was really touching as we all have had to leave behind friends back home, and it is hard to meet new people and feel like you belong in a completely new world. By incorporating the story of you moving to Mumbai, you reassured me that I will find a new family at Penn State too, and I thank you for that. In both of your posts so far, you have really reassured me and given me great advice to bring to my life in college. I can’t wait to read your next post!