Construcing a life that makes sense

When I went home for Easter, I found many items in my room that were bought in gift shops. It was difficult to pick items with which to construct my life, but eventually I settled on three symbolic objects.

This deck of cards is imprinted with my college's emblem. Superficially, it represents my college career and never-ending Horned Frog pride. It also reminds me of my family, because we are all card players. Whenever we have family reunions (my mom has five brothers and sisters, so they get pretty rowdy), we sit around and play cards for hours and never tire of it. Those memories of my family will always last. Additionally, a deck of cards also represents my personality - I am organized and very type A. When things get hectic and the cards are scattered everywhere, I have to take the time to put them back in order.

This strange item is actually a pin I got in a gift shop in a small town called Hayward, Wisconsin. My family takes a trip to the North Woods of Wisconsin every summer to go fishing, hang out, grill out, relax, canoe, play with the baby cousins, etc. It is the highlight of my summer every year. This pin makes me reminisce on the memories I have already made on those vacations and the memories I know my family will continue to make. I think this pin also symbolizes my joy in the little things, my love for my family, my love of nature, and my drive for adventures. Some day I will have my own cabin in the North Woods. One should never cease going on adventures; they are the best way to learn about the world and about oneself.

Lastly, I have a key chain with the emblem of Harry Potter's house at Hogwarts, Gryffindor. This firstly represents my love of books, reading and imagination. Life would be dull without imagination. I often get lost in books and walk around in a daze for hours after I finish a great one. The house of Gryffindor itself represents bravery and loyalty, and I associate those characteristics with myself as well. If the Sorting Hat was placed on my head, I would want it to yell out, "GRYFFINDOR!" with great conviction. This key chain lastly represents my longing to stay young forever. Adults aren't "supposed" to have funny key chains or act as if Hogwarts is a real place. I yearn to keep that magic of youth alive throughout my years of getting older and growing up.