Urban Thought Collective

Someone once said that “all good things must come to an end.” Sad, but true.

UTC, I have had the opportunity to do so much while spending my summer here in California. I have been to a couple of parties, one in Compton, one in Hollywood. I’ve been to some nice restaurants, met some interesting people, felt an earthquake, kicked it on a production set, rubbed shoulders with some celebrities, got my first two tattoos, made some money, and grown spiritually. But more than anything, I’ve become a man, and gained experience in the field of my internship.

This summer has humbled me more than ever, and has allowed me to see the world in a whole new way, literally. I’ve stayed grounded and discovered myself. Being without a vehicle for two months has taught me to be independent, from paying rent on my own to catching the bus to get to work, to volunteering in church without that parental push. All in all, this summer was a great one, a learning experience, that push that I needed to begin my career. The stepping stone to my success. The networking piece to my incomplete puzzle of life after college.

To whom much is given, much is expected. I know that for sure now. I’ve been given so much experience this summer, and it is now an expectation for me to do something positive with my life. This responsibility lies solely within me.

I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to everyone that I’ve come into contact with. From the man at Starbucks that taught me a valuable lesson in judging others, to those who faithfully comment on my blogs and give advice, love, and support, to the three lovely ladies I work for. They’ve been like three moms, three bosses, three friends, three helpers, basically three phenomenal women who have gone out of their way for me in numerous ways and occasions. How do you pay someone like them back? How do you express your gratitude to the fullest? How do you show them that what they taught you is working? I’m still trying to figure out the best way to do so, but for now, a simple THANK YOU will hopefully suffice. Thanks to everyone!

Graduation is right around the corner, and with the help of the Lord, I’m planning on relocating back to the LA area. So, hopefully, this isn’t the last time that you will hear from me, UTC. Until next time, love, peace, and respect.

This is Torian signing out…temporarily.

Torian Salary is a senior at Troy University in Alabama, studying Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations. He is interning at a black woman owned PR & marketing firm in Los Angeles. His observations on his summer experiences are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective.