BRIDGING: to New Opportunity

By Parker Stephen Nolan

I’ve encountered a whirlwind of changes since I graduated college. In just over a year, I moved to Washington, DC, started living with my partner, and changed jobs multiple times (while not always knowing what was next). Through each transition I faced, I had to bridge a wide gap between one thing to another. Although daunting at the moment, I found that building bridges is much easier when you look for common ground, even in unlikely places.

Roots and Relationships

With graduation and my big move to Washington, DC approaching, for example, I remember spending a lot of time trying to mentally prepare myself. I would hype myself up to combat my nerves, focusing on the new and exciting things I would get to experience. I also reviewed what I was bringing with me to this new city, things that I carry with me wherever I go: a love for theatre and art, queer identity and community, and my Vermont roots. These three things followed me on the move, and when I arrived in DC, they helped me not only cope with the transition and get settled into my new home, but also build new relationships. 

As soon as the arts world began reopening from its COVID-induced shutdown, I secured as many discounted tickets as I could to see performances at each of the local DC theaters. I made a close friendship with two local equity stage managers, and together we continue to explore the rich arts world here in the city. 

I also began befriending queer people. It was tough leaving behind the close knit community I’d built in college, and I was most nervous about my ability to meet new people during the pandemic in a bigger city. It took some time, but after a while I found myself with a lovely base of friends rooted in the queer community. They introduced me to other friends, showed me the best queer-friendly spaces, and welcomed me with open arms. 

A few months into my life in DC, I also began working for Senator Patrick Leahy, from Vermont. This surrounded me with people who all share a deep love for our home state. It was something I really missed while I was at college. (And coincidentally, I bonded with several of my new coworkers through my love of the arts as well.) Even as I now prepare to depart working on the Hill, I’m excited by the network of Vermont friends I’ve established so far from home. 

Important Reminders

The takeaway? New chapters can be tough, but creating bridges between where I came from, who I am, and where I’m going has opened up countless new opportunities. As I continue to bridge to new opportunities ahead, I will continue to remember the importance of my roots and relationships with the people I care about.