Document Type
Honors Thesis
Major
English
Advisor(s)
Gregory Howard
Committee Members
Jessica Miller, Daniel Sandweiss
Graduation Year
May 2024
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
“What are you running away from?”
As the warm May sun bathes me in its glow, I find myself adorned like a Christmas tree, meticulously groomed to meet my parents' standards. Yet, amidst the festive atmosphere, a bittersweet realization dawns, it's graduation day. Surrounded by a sea of fellow graduates, adorned in their pristine white dresses and tailored suits, I stand on the cusp of a new chapter. Amidst the laughter and excitement, I observe the familial bonds and aspirations that define this momentous occasion. As my name is called and I receive my diploma, amidst the cheers of my family, I am struck by a profound sense of belonging and purpose. Yet, amidst the celebratory lunch that follows, a cloud of uncertainty looms overhead. My mother's probing questions about my future plans, coupled with my father's indifferent demeanor, serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. In the midst of familial discord and conflicting aspirations, I find solace in my own dreams of exploration and self-discovery. The desire to write about Acadia and embark on a journey further north beckons to me, offering a glimpse of the freedom and fulfillment that await beyond the confines of societal expectations. Yet, as I navigate the tumultuous waters of familial expectations and personal aspirations, I am reminded of the beauty of simplicity and the transformative power of the open road. Despite the discord within my family, I cling to the hope that one day they will understand the depth of my convictions and the joy that comes from embracing a life of simplicity and wanderlust. But I know they won’t, and it’s left me no other alternative.
Recommended Citation
Castillo García, Annabel, "Arcadia" (2025). Honors College. 970.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/honors/970