The First Step

Dear Tolkien:

I just wanted to let you know that tomorrow I will be leaving for Alabama. I’ve been getting a lot of mixed messages, but awkwardly from the movie I feel as though Boromir is the one getting through the loudest. “One does not simply drive down to Alabama”. From “you have to be very safe” to “don’t go out at night” I feel as though people don’t really understand.

Quests are dangerous. That’s the point! If it were a simple, easy task- everyone would do it. What would be the point? If Frodo could have simply walked to Mordor, dropped the ring in, then it begs the question if the ring really did have power.

So will Alabama be like Mordor? I’m sure the law school will at times- but it will also be Orthanc, Edoras, and even the Shire.

I am leaving the Shire, and this time not to a foreign country: but to one everyone considers more dangerous than the darkened streets of Shanghai, the back allies of Hong Kong, and the cobble stone of London.

And more dangerous than Frat Row.

I don’t know if you have ever had to deal with Frat boys, sir. But you would be horrified to be a young woman walking down that street at night.  Which is why there are cops milling up and down- I felt safer hitching a ride from a Chicano in San Diego. Not going to lie.

I guess I feel like Gandalf and Strider: we are all fulfilling a destiny we knew one day we would have to. While Gandalf found wisdom and Strider found strength, I think that I will take on Sam’s hope. Sam didn’t know what he was getting into, and even up until the end he believed they were coming back. He cared so much about his hope, that even the dangers would not deter him (though Galadriel almost did).

So, Mr. Tolkien (Dr. Tolkien? Wizard Tolkien?) I am going to be Samwise. I will clutch at my determination, my hope, and my naivety. I will not be cowed into fearing the great unknown of my own country. I will embrace the adventure- I will dare to hope and learn.

Sincerely,

N.R.

P.S: Almost forgot! I’m not a fan of cake- but I did grab some Starbucks Cakepops, and some cookies that my Grandfather’s wife made! So I will not be leaving with out a cake in my pocket! Also, I am dragging that scraggly cat, Bo, along for the ride. He will howl, but not as much as my mother. Wish me luck!