10 Years Ago

A friend told me this afternoon that today, ten years ago, we were at DAR Constitution Hall walking across the stage, picking up a piece of paper that represented the culmination of thirteen years of education.

We left the building with smiles plastered on our faces, hopeful of the future to come.  We'd just finished thirteen years of school: we could do anything.  We would do anything.  We were so sure of that.

But on reflection, ten years later, how is my life any different?

Sure...I graduated from college, traveled a little, had a few failed relationships and made a few really great friends, but honestly?  How has anything changed?

And what happened to that huge reserve of hope?  

Was it ever really there to begin with?