KAWACHI: Me, Myself and I

This past week, my eyes were opened to a whole new experience.  I’m a self-proclaimed, semi-social person – I enjoy the company of others, especially when seeing a movie at the theater. Before my experience last week, I had never seen a movie on my own – besides the usual late-night Netflix movie in bed, complete with pajamas and some junk food. But alone at the movie theater? Never. Somehow, throughout my 19 years of life, I managed to avoid that so-called “social abnormality.” Really, it was mostly my own insecurities that held me back.

The only reason this precedent was broken, however, was due simply to the movie “Casablanca.” This movie has been my absolute favorite for about four years now, since the first time I laid my eyes on Humphrey Bogart and fell in love with him (no judgment please).

Alas, me being my normal self, I bought my ticket days before any of my other friends did. That being said, when they attempted to purchase their own tickets to accompany me as planned, they found that they were sold out. When I discovered this news, I briefly considered not going. But, having already bought a ticket and a conviction to see the movie, I swallowed my pride and went for it. It was a wonderful decision.

Seeing that a movie so old could still grasp an audience, causing laughter and applause, warmed my heart. As a movie buff accustomed to seeing most of the classics and renowned films in a smaller setting, witnessing this particular gem with a large group of varying ages was enlightening. Also, the fact that I was not the only person there that had ventured to the movie alone was comforting.

I guess there is some sort of odd pride in certain aspects of independence, like being able to go to see a movie alone. The month I spent in Oxford a few summers ago was the first time I had ever really noticed a sense of independence within myself. I quickly grew accustomed to, and even reveled in, my lunches out and walks around the city. That continued, from that point onward, through the rest of my high school life and into my college experience. Actually enjoying time alone at the library, going out shopping or even exploring were little moments of noticeable maturity that I was excited about.

It’s good not to feel dependent on the company of friends or family to make small, relatively unimportant decisions. So if you were at one time like myself – scared to be alone – don’t be. Go out and enjoy the day. Get yourself a coffee and walk along the Charles. Go see the latest movie none of your friends have much of an interest in. Walk around the MFA on your own.

You have the power to make memories for yourself.

Krissen Kawachi is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences and a weekly columnist for The Daily Free Press. She can be reached at  k.kawachi@gmail.com.