Field Notes: The Media School Travel Blog

I was initially nervous about coming to L.A. because of the cost of living and being far away from my family. A very deep talk with my mother snapped away all of that anxiety.

What was once a dream to me was now right before my eyes. Getting here was very tough, but that’s expected when moving halfway across the country. I struggled adjusting to traffic, time zones and classes at 7 p.m., but I soon got into a groove and said to myself, “You only live once.”

I’ve been able to see and experience more than I ever would have in Indiana. I’ve hiked to the top of the Hollywood sign, been to the largest bouncy house in the world, visited adventure parks, seen comedy shows and done so much more. Seeing people exercise, paint, dance and even skate outside in this sunny weather was a breath of fresh air.

I frequently visited Venice Beach to play basketball and swim in the ocean. The ocean was cold, but this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, because it served as an ice bath after my long workout. Being able to play basketball on the beach with the sunset behind me was a dream come true. I’ve dreamed about hooping at Venice ever since I saw the classic basketball film “White Men Can’t Jump.”

I’ve made many friends in L.A., mostly through playing basketball, which in turn has brought me many different opportunities — opportunities such as playing for a former NBA All-Star’s basketball league. I’ve also been able to see some incredible street basketball and even play with them. This was an eye-opening experience that not only allowed me to test my abilities, but also to participate in something that people in my hometown can only watch. This was something I never could’ve imagined for myself. 

Something that left a huge impact on me was when my girlfriend and I went to the Lakers season-opening game. It was a star-studded night, too, with celebrities like Kevin Hart, Saweetie and Lil Wayne all in attendance. The game was very competitive, and being able to see some of my favorite players like Lebron James and Steph Curry go up against each other was something I will never forget. After the game, I got to go behind the scenes and watch “Inside The NBA,” where I met and took a photo with Ernie Johnson. I saw Shaq and Charles Barkley, who responded to my side of the crowd’s chants. Being that close to the most dominant player to ever touch a basketball is still unreal to me. 

I’ve tried to live life to the fullest while in L.A. I’ve done so many things that have given me a different outlook on life and the world, and boy, do I have one. I appreciate all the outlets L.A. offers people to be creative and hustle. Seeing people working and not letting life just come to them was something that inspired me to want more out of life.

I’ve also been shown the opportunities traveling can offer. In just four months, I’ve done more than I’ve done in 18 years of life, and it’s not all just having fun. Something that isn’t as accessible in my hometown is the ability to build real relationships with powerful or relevant people in the world. After this trip, I will strive to keep traveling and taking risks. 

L.A. food is pressure; I have so many good recommendations. For example, if you want fire tacos, check out Todo Bien. Next, if you want fire donuts, try SK Donuts. If you want fire ramen, go to Jinya Ramen on Hollywood Boulevard.