Well, it is that time of year again; the time of year where everyone is bombarded with those incessant "BACK TO SCHOOL!!" commercials that force you to remember that you are not even close to done with waking up entirely too early to learn about why letters have a lace in math. This time of year is bittersweet because, despite the grueling hours we must spend in school, we get to see our friends once more and it means you are one step closer to finally being done with it all.
Upon completing my high school education this year I was faced with the realization that I now had to be something I, in my 18 years of living, never had to think about. I came to the realization that in a few short months I would be going out in the world and would be forced to be an adult. In all honesty, I was nothing but excited at first. The idea that I could go out into the world and do whatever it is that I wanted was, admittedly, a very enticing idea that I latched onto quickly. I could not wait to be able to live however I pleased, without the constraints of my parents. Even as I write this I am so excited to be an individual and independent, but I have also started to really think what it is I am leaving behind.
I am lucky enough to have a very large family. We are the kind that you see on those sitcoms where there are 50 people all shoved into a small house on thanksgiving together. We are very close-knit and, despite the distance between us, make it a point to be together as often as possible. I have never, in 18 years, not seen my family for long periods of time. I see my grandparents every day, my cousins and I are very close, and my sister is my best friend. I recently had my moment where I realized that I am no longer going to be able to come to family dinners all the time. I will not get to have breakfast with my whole family every Sunday. For the very first time in my life, I won't be able to walk to my grandma's house when I'm sick or need help. In just one week my life is going to turn upside down
I won't say I'm not excited because I can not wait to meet so many friends, get involved on campus, and study something that I am extremely passionate about, but I also am sad at all that I am leaving behind here. I know my family will always be here for me, and that my grandma is only one call away, and my sister will always be here to get on my nerves, but the idea that I am closing this chapter of my life is a bit terrifying. When I come home I will no longer be a kid, I will be a young woman who lives in a totally different city. When I come back here, they will say that I am visiting; I will be a visitor.
College is a fun and exciting time for me, and I can't wait to get out there and chase my dreams. I will never, however, forget who I am and where I came from. I will always be able to have a strong backing behind me who will always be there for me. Even though a lot of things are about to change, one thing that will remain true is the love that surrounds me here.
