College changes the world around you.

When I was in high school, I couldn’t wait to get out of that place. I had my select group of friends I always hung out with and then other people that I saw every day because of school. I think a lot of us had the mindset that college won’t change anything, and as soon as summer rolls around, everything will be exactly like it was.

 Unfortunately, my first summer back from OU has been my reality check. A lot changes in just a year -- way more than you’d expect. First of all, your friends change, whether it’s for better or worse. It is impossible to stay in touch with your friends from high school, you just have to make an effort. Things can’t be spontaneous like the old days because now we have jobs, family vacations, internships, studying abroad, and new groups of friends who keep us busier than we ever imagined.

If you haven’t taken the opportunity to reconnect with some of your old friends, I strongly advise you do so. It could be something like a movie night or just a small coffee date to catch up and see how everyone’s lives are changing. Not only are friends changing, but parents are changing, too. Some are getting used to the empty nest syndrome, some are exploring the world with their newfound freedom, and some are getting back into the job world, now that their kids have grown up.

It’s been a weird change, this summer, because my entire life, my mom’s only job was taking care of my three sisters and me. Earlier this year, she got a full time job, so it’s been a major adjustment not having her around all the time like she was before I went off to college.  

Change isn’t a bad thing -- it’s just an adjustment. It’s part of growing up. I didn’t expect to spend my summer working 30 plus hours a week, barely having time to breathe in between several different jobs and doing my best to help around the house now that my mom is working, but that’s life.

The places we grew up in are moving on just like we are. I’m not complaining. I wouldn’t give the past year back for a million bucks! Change has just been something I’ve been reflecting on all summer.