My name is Addie Siembieda and I’m a graduating senior at Albuquerque Academy. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and, despite its problems, I’m proud to be from here.
There’s a common sentiment around high school students in Albuquerque, this desire to “get out”, to “escape”, to leave New Mexico. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to go to college out of state and, in August, I will set off for the other end of the country. The closer I get to my departure date, the more I stop and look around, noticing the things that make this place so special.
- The Sunsets
Oh, where to even begin with the sunsets? They really are magical around here. Something about the clean, particulate filled air, the elevation, and the lack of pollution. But does the “why” really matter? My dad moved to Albuquerque almost 30 years ago, and he often says the sunsets are what made him decide to stay. The sun goes down everywhere, I’m sure, but where else will they be these panoramic, nightly experiences?
- Basketball Games at The Pit
I’m a lifelong sports fan. I grew up in Isotopes Park, I’ve gone to every New Mexico Bowl, and weekends in my house usually consist of splitscreening Lobo and Aggie games. I’m headed off to the University of Michigan, a spot with one of the biggest football cultures in America. Still, I’ll always be partial to the energy inside the Pit during a highly-anticipated conference game. I love watching this community come together in one big, loud building to celebrate local excellence. Lobo Basketball fans are passionate, and being in the Pit is nothing short of electric.
- The Open Spaces
I grew up in the northeast heights, right at the base of the Sandia Mountains. I’ve gone on my long runs along the Rio Grande and in the Bosque. My friends and I have explored the petroglyphs on mornings after sleepovers. I find it so special that I don’t have to drive an hour or two to go on a hike and get some fresh air. Coupled with the gorgeous weather and 300 days of sunshine a year, being outdoors in Albuquerque is, quite simply, beautiful. Anywhere in the city, I’m no more than a 30 minute drive to somewhere scenic.
- New Mexican Food
And when I say New Mexican food, I mean every kind of New Mexican food. I’ll miss the stuffed sopapillas my grandma makes on every holiday and the posole my dad orders from Cocina Azul for Christmas. I’ll miss green chile cheeseburgers and, really, the option to add green chile to just about anything. I’ll miss the tiny tubs of Dion’s ranch.
- Watching Hot Air Balloons in the Sky while I Drive to School
It’s simple. It might even be a little cliche. It’s something I forget about until I see it every October. But I can’t help but be excited when I see the sky dotted with color as I drive north. Us locals might complain about the influx of tourists and the traffic that comes with it, but the sheer magnificence of mass ascension can’t be denied. Even outside of Balloon Fiesta week, I love the little surprise of seeing a balloon or two on the horizon. A cross country teammate of mine, a freshman, always points out balloons in the sky when we go on early morning runs during the summer. She gets so excited seeing them that she’ll make sure we all stop to look at it.
May we all stop to look around at the city we sometimes take for granted. May I never lose the wonder and love for my hometown.
