In the heart of Texas, nestled close together like pages in a well-thumbed book, lie Bryan and College Station—sister cities with deep ties not only to each other but to my own life story. This region, a vital chapter in my personal history, represents both a foundation of my past and a symbol of my growth.

College Station, home to Texas A&M University, is where pivotal moments of my life unfolded. It was here that I stepped into the vast world of academia, where the bustling campus paths led me not just to lecture halls but to significant crossroads in my life. It was also here that I met Anthony, my partner, amidst the maroon-spirited crowds, creating a bond that has been a cornerstone of my journey.

Post-graduation, my path took me to vibrant cities like Austin and Seattle, places that shaped my views and tastes, molding me with their eclectic cultures and progressive spirits. These cities felt like a pair of well-fitting shoes—comfortable, right, exactly as should be.

Returning to Bryan-College Station after these experiences has been surreal. Buying my first home here provided a sense of financial stability, a necessary grounding in the practical aspects of adulthood. Yet, the fit is not quite right. The familiarity of the area, with its rich cultural fabric and community-centric lifestyle, provides a comforting backdrop, but it lacks the authenticity that cities like Austin and Seattle offered—a reflection of who I've become.

Living here again has underscored a profound sense of isolation that stems not from being alone, but from the palpable absence of a community that resonates with my evolved identity and values. The cultural and social milieu here, though rich in its own right, often feels misaligned with the diversity and openness I've grown accustomed to. The support systems that once seemed robust now appear sporadic—friends have moved on, and the networks that once felt like support now feel like remnants of a past life.

Bryan-College Station is beautiful, no doubt. The streets echo with the cheers of college football games, the rustle of leaves in the historical downtown areas, and the quiet buzz of family-owned businesses. It is a place that commands respect for its history and its role in nurturing thousands of students who pass through Texas A&M.

However, the shoe doesn't quite fit. The disconnect I feel here serves as a constant reminder of my growth and the changes in my needs and aspirations. It’s a reminder that we outgrow places just as we outgrow parts of ourselves.

This city was a necessary pit stop in my life's journey—a place where I gained my footing, found love, and learned the first rules of adulthood. Yet, it also underscores a fundamental truth about growth: it is both about moving forward and moving away. Just as College Station helped shape the person I am today, leaving it behind is a crucial step toward becoming the person I am meant to be.

As I reflect on this chapter, I am grateful for the roots and the wings this city has given me—the roots that grounded me during my formative years and the wings that itch to explore new horizons. Bryan-College Station will always be a part of my story, a poignant reminder of youth and beginnings, even as I continue to seek spaces that resonate more deeply with who I am now.

In this journey of life, some places we dwell in, and some, it seems, dwell in us, long after we've turned the page.

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