When getting ready to go off to college, life begins to change drastically. You find yourself becoming more and more independent, thinking you are ready and able to start the next chapter of your life while finding your passion through school. There are many truths every incoming freshman feels when preparing for the future:
1. Being sentimental about everything.
Every small moment is something you latch on to, knowing "pre college" life is coming to an end. You find yourself saying, "Oh my gosh this is my last (fill in the blank)" often. It's almost as if you think you'll never be home again, because everything feels so new.
2. Living out every moment with your family.
Knowing how soon you'll be on your own, you begin to cherish these special times spent with your loved ones. You think about how you'll miss family dinners and watching Grey's Anatomy together every Thursday at 7 p.m. sharp. You tell people how scared you are to leave your mom's side, and how you'll cry without her constant support (even though you know she will be there always).
3. Your extreme excitement goes hand in hand with nervousness.
Even though thinking about this new chapter of your life is about as exciting as it gets, the nerves take over. Thinking about being forced to take care of yourself after having parents to take care of you for 18 years is about as frightening as it gets. You can't believe you'll be sharing a communal bathroom, and are scared you won't survive it!
4. You are so hard on yourself.
Finishing senior year, getting a B+ or an A- felt like the end of the world. Holding yourself to the highest of standards becomes a norm when your entire future is on the line. Feeling as if you have to live up to your new college self is a clear reality.
5. You're ready to be set free.
You find yourself anxiously waiting to be off on your own, starting your new life. College is an exciting adventure, and being an incoming freshman allows you to begin the journey. You've been preparing for this moment for so many years, and although you're scared, you wouldn't change these future plans for anything.
The point is, the future is intimidating but it's exciting and you're ready for it. You can't wait one more moment for move in day because it feels like forever from now. Endless dorm shopping sprees and going through the college website makes you feel like you're closer to beginning this journey. The next few months will go about as slow as possibly imaginable yet you're excited to spend these last moments and "last times" with the friends and family members you love.
