Day 2: Reliving the Journey in Time and Space
From Reno to Salt Lake City
Today I left early for our long drive from Reno to Salt Lake City. The drive is over 520 miles and takes about 8 hours to test my endurance. Meanwhile, it provided plenty of time for reflection...
This route brings back memories of my life 30 years ago, in 1994, shortly after I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a D.Sc. in engineering. I was on a moving trip from St. Louis to San Francisco to start my first job in the US at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), a world-renowned architecture and engineering firm.
That cross-country trip marked the beginning of my professional/engineering career in this country. I remember driving through the Midwest with a sense of both anticipation and uncertainty about the futureā¦ As I passed Salt Lake City, the vast openness of the region made an overwhelming impression on me. The open roads, endless sky, and distant mountains all contributed to a sense of freedom and adventure. It was as if time and space were expanding before me, offering endless possibilities and a sense of limitless potential.
Today, as I drive the same route in the opposite direction, I can't help but relive those memories. The landscape still has the same awe-inspiring beauty, and the sense of adventure remains strongā¦
Arriving in Salt Lake City, I was struck by its unique beauty, which I couldn't fully appreciate on my initial journey west. The city's blend of natural landscapes and urban vibrancy provided a stark contrast to the vastness of the surrounding plains. Exploring downtown, visiting landmarks like the Utah State Capitol and Temple Square, and enjoying a meal at The Copper Onion, all added new layers of appreciation to this familiar yet evolving journey.
This stop reconnects with my past selfāa young graduate setting out on a career path filled with aspirations and uncertainties. It's a chance to reflect on the experiences and decisions that have shaped my professional journey from that starting point to where I stand today.
My friend, how do your past experiences shape your present perspectives and decisions, both personally and professionally?
Well done! How can you make this writing so effortless and inspiring? When there were so many memories, you highlighted the sentiment of excitement and uncertainty, which reveals the very real feelings that could resonate with many newly grads.