The Third Floor

By: Elián Zidán

On Monday, I reached the third floor and said goodbye to a decade filled with valuable lessons and personal growth. My 20s turned out to be far better than I ever imagined when I was younger. Over these ten years, I graduated from college, began working in a field I’m passionate about, moved to a new state, met the love of my life, and got married.

A decade may seem like a short span, but in reality, so much happens in that time. Ten years don’t just mark the passage of a generation; they remind us that while everything else evolves, the one constant is the passage of time.

I remember when I turned 20, I couldn’t wait for the year to go by so I could party with my college friends. Now, I find myself wishing that time would slow down so I can savor this life that I love so much.

As a child, I always believed that the best stage of life was in your 30s. You’re still young, you have a better job, a higher salary, and a wealth of experience compared to when you were 20.

But I now realize that the 30s of today are what the 20s used to be, back when people got married, had kids, bought houses, and still found time for vacations.

In the era I find myself entering at 30, everything feels faster—perhaps because we’ve become so accustomed to the instant gratification that technology offers.

That’s why I’ve made a conscious effort to slow down at certain moments, to truly take in what’s happening around me, and to appreciate the simple things in life.

I once imagined throwing a grand celebration à la The Great Gatsby when I turned 30, but life—ten years later—has taught me that my celebration would look very different from what I envisioned.

The best plan, and the one I enjoyed most, was simply going to the movies and having dinner with my wife. It felt like a déjà vu moment because I recalled how, when I was a child, that was my parents’ favorite way to celebrate.

Now, with all that life has taught me, I have a deeper understanding of my parents and a profound gratitude for everything they did for my brother and me.

I truly believe that this new decade I’m entering will be filled with challenges, but also with fulfillment. I’m stepping into my 30s with the intention of growing even further, much like when I entered my 20s, but now with more experience and perspective.

For me, birthdays are like floors in a building with an elevator. Each year is a new floor, and throughout the 365 days spent on that level, we learn, grow, and continue to shape ourselves in pursuit of our goals. For some, their building has just a few floors, while for others, it seems there are many more to explore.

And so, as long as we have life and the elevator keeps rising, we must make the most of every moment—even if it sounds like a cliché.

Turning 30 is more than just a milestone; it’s a reminder that each phase of life offers its own lessons and insights. Now, more than ever, I appreciate the present and the small moments that truly matter. On this new "floor," I continue to learn and give thanks for every step along the way, knowing that what matters most is not just what we achieve, but how we live each day.