Arushi Naidu - Week #16 - Simple Memories

Some memories from junior year have changed the way I approach my life. 

Most of these treasured memories are not anything out of ordinary. Some memories appear so mundane, like boring files hidden at the back of our brains, but the emotional weight they carry in my life is underestimated. Just a week ago, I went for a walk with my mother in the early hours of the night to walk our dog, Bailey. The weather was that of a perfect summer night: warm and calm with the slightest breeze. As we walked through the neighborhood and conversed with each other about our lives (the feelings of accomplishment of the past few days, mulled over sadness, the realization of growth), I could not help but feel like the luckist person to live the life that I am living. I was overcome with such an unexpected, overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunities I have been given, the friends I have made, and the experiences I have lived. As my mother and walked home in peaceful silence under the stars, I kept this memory in a file that I would never forget to reopen.

A few months ago, at the peak of Junior Year stress, my best friend and I were on FaceTime recapping the events of our day. This 7:00 pm catchup turned into a 3:30 am conversation that I will honestly never forget. It was not because we talked for so many hours, or because our conversation was so honest and meaningful that this memory is so important to me. It was me understanding that I had a person who I could literally call in the middle of the night and know that she would be there for me no matter what. Knowing that you have a person like that in your life has made me feel the safest I have ever felt in my entire life. 

My father attends all of my meets for Track and Field. He is always there on the sidelines, recording my every throw, comparing my PRs, and reassuring me when I have bad competitions. This last meet was extremely important for me, but I realized that I had owed so much of my progress to my dad. We had all scorched in the heat that day, but I know he would do it a thousand times over if it meant being there for me. 

Junior year has come with some of the highest highs and the lowest lows, but the simplest of memories are the ones that are most important to me. 









Comments

  1. Tanishka NathMay 16, 2025 at 11:40 AM

    Hi Arushi! Your reflection on junior year was quite insightful, and it taught me a great lesson that sometimes, the little moments are what mean the most down the road. The ordinary lessons and mundane tasks tell us how life really is, and even though junior year was definitely a difficult year, that made the fun moments so much more worthwhile. The late night conversations and walks are something I will always remember as well: Junior year really helped me utilize all hours of the day, haha. It’s great to hear that you have friends and family that stand by you no matter what; I also believe that the most difficult moments and times of your life shows who is a true friend in the long run. I also agree that the simplest of memories are the most important, and having these similar conversations with my mom also feel so calming. Junior year has definitely also changed the way I approach my life, and it was nice to read how these moments have helped shape your life. Whether it be late-night calls or normal walks, appreciating each moment has definitely helped me get through this year too. Congrats on an amazing junior year, good job!

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  2. James ChanMay 20, 2025 at 12:57 PM

    Arushi, I love how you are able to find joy in the simple things in life! Reading your post, I have an alternative hypothesis to add on—maybe you find joy in spending time with others? The memories you listed—walking with your mom, talking with your friend, and seeing your dad at track and field—all involve spending time with other people. This is just a theory, but do you think it’s possible that the happiest memories you have all involve some social aspect? You generally seem like a very social person, so I think this is a possibility. What are you looking forward to doing over summer vacation? I find it hard to find social activities to do once school gets out; what plans do you have?

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  3. Julia WanMay 21, 2025 at 9:59 PM

    Hey Arushi, I've enjoyed having APENG with you and being in your blog cohort this year; your blogs are always very interesting to read! I especially like the way that this one is written, since I could ffeel the emotion behind each of the memories you shared. I love how you describe ordinary memories like walking your dog or late-night facetime cals as the ones that matter most or carry the most weight in your head. It's not always the big achievements and milestones that shape us but instead the ordinary moments, like your dad attending all your Track and Field meets. Thanks for sharing!

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