For as long as I can remember my family has never said "Bye". Instead of saying the most common of farewells, we've always said, "See you later". It's not superstition like you're probably thinking, rather, it's confirmation that there truly is no such thing as a goodbye. This wasn't more evident than when I first left for college, which is halfway across the country. I can remember the day before leaving for school freshman year; waking up in MY bed, brushing my teeth in MY bathroom, and driving MY car. I drove to the beach and watched the sunrise come over the rolling Atlantic, breaking the dusk shadows. While the sun rose, I could only help but think about my life thus far. The memories of going to Grandma's house down the street, riding bikes to the beach with friends, kayaking to Treasure Island (local island), bonfires in the backyard as the crickets chirped and the sun retreated to the west. I could remember fishing trips with my Grandpa on his boat, camping with the scouts, hockey games at the local rink, and snowboard vacations to the Adirondacks. I could remember the Thanksgiving dinner with both sides of my family, Halloween trick or treaters eagerly knocking on the door, dying eggs on Easter, and day trips to New York City. While I thought about all of this I couldn't help but feel that this was, in fact, a "goodbye." I'd be living in a different state for nine months out of the year, with people I've never met, and being challenged more physically with football and mentally with school than I ever had been before. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed and in some ways, upset.
But as the tears filled my eyes with the thoughts of all the precious memories that I had made, I looked up and watched the sunrise to its peak. It dawned on me that this wasn't a "goodbye," it truly was a "see you later." It was simply a new chapter in my life that I was about to experience. I'd get to add new memories to the ones that I already had. I'd get to meet new friends and be able to talk about them with my longtime ones. I'd get to have new experiences, in a completely foreign place in a foreign part of the country. I cleared my eyes and made a slow drive home. I felt empowered, blessed with an amazing opportunity that so many aren't fortunate enough to have.
What I have to say to the incoming freshman is this: it's always a see you later. Your bed will be there, your car will be right where you parked it last and your dog will remember who you are. Embrace change, don't fight it. Allow the new experiences to happen and approach your new situation with an open mind. It won't all be perfect that I can promise you. You will be challenged and pushed to what feels like your limit, but go forth with confidence because you truly can do anything if you want to. It's not going to be easy but when you go home at the end of the semester and see all that you've accomplished thus far, you'll having nothing but pride in yourself. Have fun with it all and enjoy every minute of it because it goes by fast. Rejoice in the opportunity to experience change, rather than fear it.
"The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but building the new." - Socrates
