Sep 11 2012
Growing Up
form feeling a combination of apprehension and pride. Sitting down I heard the metal sounds of the hole puncher over my music as the conductor grew nearer to my seat and I got my ticket ready. In this moment as I waited for it to be punched, I examined the ticket and realized that this piece of paper will play a major role in this new chapter of my life. This ticket will take me to the place that will turn me into a successful adult. Staring at this insignificant shred of paper with its tiny ink markings i became cognizant of the fact that this was more than a pass to use the the train but the ticket to my future.
I think it’s a smart idea to write your story on your LIRR ticket. I think it’s very touching that you said that this ticket “will play a major role in this new chapter” of your life. People just look at the ticket as a ticket, nothing more, but you took the ticket and made it mean more than just a piece of paper.
Is this your very first ticket that you’ve bought to symbolize your “new chapter”?
It wasn’t my first ticket but it was the first relatively long term ticket (a weekly) that made me come to the realization that I’d be doing this for a while and things would be different.
I truly love how you ended your post by saying this was the “ticket to your future.” It was a great play on words. Additionally your post makes you think how important train rides are in everyday life. They can either make or break someone’s day and a small delay in the train system can be detrimental to a well planned day. Great story and very creative i loved this post.
As a fellow commuter, I’m also new to the whole train-taking thing so I really connected with your story. I still remember the days when taking the train was an event, so it feels weird that it’s become my school bus. Flashing my monthly ticket makes me feel pretty cool, though.