“Where do you see yourself five years from now?” The age-old question, but does anyone ever truly know? Five years ago I graduated from Olathe South High School in Olathe, Kansas. First, wow!, time flies, but second, why is that question so pivotal near graduations or times of celebration? I can tell you this, not one person in my graduating class of 2015 would have predicted a pandemic across our early careers five years later. I would be quite shocked if anyone would have thought this is where we would be globally on midnight of Dec. 31, as the new year started just a few months ago. But, here we are, living through history.

While events, parties, ceremonies and graduations can be postponed or canceled, there is still a sense of celebration and togetherness. During these crazy times, one of the many things I am grateful for is technology such as video calls with family and friends in Kansas to celebrate my brother’s high school graduation, to re-discuss wedding plans for these upcoming months or a call with my best gal pals from college to catch up.

I never would have thought five years post-high school graduation I would be in Pennsylvania.

I cannot speak for all of the Midwest, but I can say within my community growing up, it was not common to venture far from home outside of vacations or trips. So this has been quite the experience of “firsts” while learning my way around our home here. Unfortunately, to go back home during the midst of COVID would have required my fiancé and me to drive more than 20 hours one way for some time with family. A bit of a stretch with so many unknowns to navigate, although we did think about it once or twice. We are so excited for the return of travel and for states to open up, hoping maybe we can sneak a trip back home or maybe host some family here.

The return of travel will bring many individuals ease, excitement and hope. The desire to hop on a plane and venture to who knows where sounds fabulous right about now! A new adventure awaits, and the future is bright.

— Lexi Holstin, digital account executive