To begin with a bit of a recap, I moved from Buffalo, NY to Boston, MA on August 6th, 2014. I've decided to pursue my interests in teaching literature at the community college or university level and I'm ecstatic to have been given the chance to move past the chaos of my early twenties. I'm very happy that this journey has taken me to a city that is so incredibly vibrant with academic life and infinite possibilities, no matter where life decides to take me.
That said, there are certainly challenges that come with living in a larger, more expensive city and one of those challenges is living with roommates. I'm 27 and an only child, so I've lived a pretty isolated existence so far. I've enjoyed my freedom and independence, but I also realize that this is not necessarily the most healthy way to live.
Though I have moderate social anxiety, I've been adjusting pretty well and getting used to the routines and expectations of others. The three other people who live in the apartment are incredible. They're all very kind and accommodating, and we all seem to be good at communicating with each other for the most part.
Now, of course there's a catch, because what kind of a story would this be if it ended with kind words about my wonderful roommates and living situation? The catch is this: someone has left me stranded in the stairwell between the basement laundry facilities and the door into the apartment which only locks from the inside.
In hindsight it seems like a likely complication. I arrived home at midnight, asked if it was okay to do my laundry, and proceeded to do so. I decided to stay downstairs for the dry cycle in order to avoid tramping up and down three flights of stairs multiple times. I'm not quite sure the precise circumstances that led to the apartment door being locked from the inside, but that is exactly what happened.
Do the doorbells even work? There is a bedroom right next to the door, maybe they'd hear me knock? Maybe if I wait long enough someone will have to use the bathroom?
So far it's been nearly 2 and a half hours and I've had no success. My phone died and my computer is on its last leg. I'm terrified both that I won't get into the apartment in time to get dressed and ready for work on time, and also that I will not survive the shift due to sheer exhaustion.
What is a girl to do but write about the absurdity of such a situation, intermittently rest, and try to remain alert for any signs of movement beyond the door?
Despite this setback, which in all honestly is quite funny, I'm very glad I made the choice to live with roommates. I've learned so much about life and human interaction. I've learned about consideration, communication, and responsibility.
And I've only been here two weeks. Now get me out of this basement!
