Don't want to grow up!

Saw the midnight showing of Harry Potter, and it was so good. Got there an hour and a half early because people were saying that there was a huge line outside the theater. Turns out, these people were just anxious about getting a good seat, which I guess was somewhat reasonable because there were a bunch of people there early and you had to wait in line even within the theater.

The movie was great. Scary, dark, but happy and cute moments were scattered within. I was sad that the characters couldn't trust one another, but also happy that they were still friends, that Dobby had so many lines, and that the comedy and dark stuff were well balanced. Although it was a little slow, I'm glad that the last book is split into two movies, gives us who grew up with the series more time with the characters. I can't wait until July 2011 to see the second part... however my friend made a good point: once July comes around, there will be no more Harry Potter movies to look forward too. Perhaps the only thing to look forward to would be seeing the post-HP careers of all the actors we grew up with.

The NYT had a good article on the movie, calling it a "steppingstone and a reasonably satisfying experience." I think the movie captures the reality of growing up in rapidly changing times, and adapting to new responsibilities and new environments. I think its probably the best movie any one in my generation can watch and be able to relate to personal experiences. Of course, we're not wizards, but the themes of coming-of-age, friendship, and courage are some that we need to keep in mind.

It is time

One more month until I graduate... CRAZY. I'm nervous, feeling bittersweet, and yet excited; basically just a whole range of emotions. Nervous because I'm embarking on a new chapter of my life, the supposed 'real world' awaits, in which I am finally held accountable as an adult (well, we'll see how that goes with my parents, haha). Bittersweet, because I don't think I want to leave the life of an undergrad. But excited because I am leaving the undergrad life, no more long nights at the school library, stressing about exams (although I am planning on taking some sort of exam later on for higher education), stressing about papers, etc.

Looking back, I am surprised at how my life has turned out. As a freshman, I really could never have predicted the way things are now. The Helen now is about to embark on a job in the finance industry, has worked in a range of capacities, advocated for what she is passionate about, confident about herself, more outgoing, etc. This is stuff the Past Helen would not have imagined. Of course, there are things I can improve upon, as always, but I am ok with what I've done so far. It is time for me to set goals for myself. The goals that I had in the past (score well on exams, get in a good school, do internships, get a job) have been goals I set for myself but I think only because those are goals that people should achieve as general steps in life. Now I want to and can set goals that are truly my own. Got to start brainstorming.