I moved into my freshman dorm on my 18th birthday. Because I was nervous, I wrote a letter to myself with my goals to get through 4 years. I opened this letter 4 years later on my 22nd birthday and it said:
..."How did school go? Were you a math and business major? I hope you're ready for the real world. You need to get to that... and soon. I want you to go into the Peace Corps and help the world, get a good job for good people, and I hope you haven't gotten a car. I hope you never do get one and you ride your bike everywhere. Hopefully life goes well for you in NYC! Enjoy, my man. Always remember your morals, trust in God, and never stop smiling. Personality and confidence is what spreads throughout the world making it a better place. Good luck." I am happy to say that I did well in school. I had a high GPA, graduated with honors, wrote a 50 page thesis on population migration in NC counties, and now have a degree in both mathematics and economics. I am now living in NJ working for a company based in NYC, though I work in Princeton. Of my goals, I have not joined the Peace Corps (and have no intention to anymore) and I do own a car. I am happy to say that the rest have been successful. I have grown and learned so much in college and I am so happy with who I have become.
When I entered college I had a crappy road bike and a dream to make a difference in the world through love and happiness. I have grown and developed more as a person almost as much as my bike has during the past 4.5 years since I wrote that letter. I now have a beautiful, blue Salsa Vaya named Sully. For those of you who don't know, I love the movie Monsters Inc and with my last name being Wasielewski, I like to compare myself to Mike Wazowski. Sully is my work horse and a complete tank. I can't wait for the adventures and experiences I get to have with my new companion just like Mike Wazowski and Sully from the movie.
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Salsa Vaya X9 named Sullivan (Sully)
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I've grown to love so much more than I did in since I was 18, as well. I've had long relationships as well as short ones. I've had my heart broken and mended a few times now and all due to the amazing people I met in Wilmington. The three people in the picture below were the people I spent a majority of my college years with and they have each taught me something I needed to learn. La-Rel (bottom) was my roommate and best friend for the 3 years he was at UNCW. He was the master of selflessness. He did so much for people without question. Always courteous and polite. Chris (right) was a great friend for all four years. He taught me about leaving my comfort zone and always sharing joy with those around you. Chris was a guy who would push you to be better at all times, mostly because "life is a competition." Molly (top) was my best friend for a few years in college, too. She taught me about love and enjoying the unexpected in life. We have had our ups and downs as friends, but the love she gave to me when I didn't deserve it is something I strive to share with everyone I meet.  |
| Wrightsville Beach - Aug '13 |
My college goals were met with almost a scary amount of premonition, but that doesn't mean I can go back to the way I was. I need to continue growing and improving with every step I take. This trip across Virginia is a way to keep the last section of my goals a success. I plan to show the world what love and smiling can do if you keep sharing it with others. I proceed to keep spending any extra time and energy I have into making this world a better place, even if it's one person at a time like my three friends did for me. If you would like to share some of your good fortune to help me make a difference, that would be greatly appreciated. The link to my cyclist page is:
Zach's Donation Page
Give all that you are able and I will do the rest. Thank you and God bless.
