It’s been a month since I first saw Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. I’ve never cared for mythic tales, but this movie is big and wonderful in every dimension. I’ll let film historians describe those details. I have to write about something else.

Frodo carried the fate of humanity in his hands. He overcame horrific challenges that nobody has ever faced before. I mean, he saved the world. Then he and his friends went back home and toasted to the victory. Nobody seemed to notice them or even care that they were around. Frodo stood quiet in his safe, calm home. What do you do once you’ve saved the world?

I had three years after The Real World to see the impact the show can have on young people. I got to think and rethink what happened in the house…what I did, what I could’ve done differently. Then I was given another shot into pop culture on “The Gauntlet.” I gave it everything I had, and the result was spectacular. I know that if that it for me and television, I went out with a bang. In the greater scheme of humanity, it meant very little. But I made a difference when I could.

So Frodo took three years to write a book. His friend same married to his dream girl and had a family. Then Frodo took off across the ocean on another adventure. That’s how the story ends…and begins.

I am going to keep doing what I am doing. Working for Life Teen is a true adventure, and I love every second of it. I just know there’s more to come.