We've all been there before. The end of August rolls around and it's time to get ready to return to the world of academia. Everybody is going back to school shopping in a frenzy, students are buying their books, and everybody is getting packed up to move into their new living situation. Whether it's your first time or your last time going off to college, there is one thing that is never easy (especially if you're going far away for school); Saying "goodbye." However, going back to school is one of the most exciting parts of summer.

Here I am, in my last few days of summer, packing up all of my belongings I want to take to school and I have one last weekend with all of my friends and family. Even though this is the third time I've gone through with this, it doesn't get easier to say goodbye to all of the friends and family that I've spent my summer with. Going to college in Portland, Oregon and living in Boise, Idaho makes it so I can't see these people for months at a time. All of these people that I've gone on adventures with, made connections, spent hours upon hours with will be abruptly removed from my life, with people that are super close to you keeping contact, while others fade and become "at-home" friends as I like to call them. All of my friends this summer have shared unforgettable experiences that we'll be telling our children about (but maybe not until they're a bit older). Even coworkers that I have only worked with for a summer have had a huge impact on me, and I will truly miss them all. It will be just as difficult to leave my family who have been huge parts of my life, most of all my parents who sacrifice so much so that I can be successful in everything I do. Saying goodbye to these people will most likely be emotional and heartfelt, to the point where I question whether or not it's worth it to leave all of these amazing people.

While I am feeling all of the feelings of sadness and doubt about my college choice, I am also beyond excited to head back to the University of Portland, or as many of my peers know it: The Bluff. During my time in PortlandW, I have met the most amazing people and have had the most incredible growth in character and learning. If it weren't for my lifelong friends and family at home, I don't think I ever would have been able to make it to where I am today. They are my biggest support I cannot be more thankful for them. They have pushed me to succeed throughout my life and I attribute many of my successes to the mindset that they shaped for me. While I know that I will miss all my friends at home, I have missed my Portland family and friends just as much and am looking forward to going back.