As of the day I am writing this, I have about a week left until I begin my adventure at college. This past summer, I was unable to really detect the change that was coming. But lately, it feels as if this great change is creeping up behind me closer than ever. It is one of the most nerve-wracking, yet exciting things to ever happen to me in my life.
Let me give you the first example. In all of my four years in high school, I played on the volleyball team. This time of year, my body has gotten used to the excitement of my favorite sport starting back up after the long and dreadful summer. Because I am not in the best shape, I remember the anxiety I would have before a practice. What was going to happen today? Would they work me too hard? Were we going to try something new that everyone was great at except me? These were just a few questions that would race through my mind hours before a great practice. After the day's work was over I would constantly think to myself, "Why did you get so worked up? Today was great!" Yet the next day was always bound to be the same. But through all of my sweat, tears and occasional blood loss, I loved to play volleyball.
Hearing about the open gyms, practices, tryouts, and not actually being there myself, was the first sign of major change. Even today, I am still not quite used to it. I had some of the most amazing coaches throughout my four years. They were able to teach me so much about myself, and for that, I could never say "thank you" enough. I would love to wish the girls that are playing this year good luck, and I hope you guys enjoy it while you can. Never take it for granted, ladies!
The second thing I am used to this time of year is finding out my schedule and going back-to-school shopping. I remember how excited I would be for the upcoming year to start. I would love talking to my friends and finding out what classes they had. It was almost like a yearly ritual. I also absolutely LOVE back to school shopping. Even though half the stuff is messed up within the first three months and the other half just kinda stays in my backpack while I think to myself, "Why did I get that again?"
Instead of mainly getting supplies for class, I am now trying to find everything I could possibly ever need for a dorm. Because I have my own laptop, I don't think I will be needing a lot of school supplies. As of right now I only have a binder, highlighters, some sharpies and pens. I feel so unprepared ...
Of course, don't get me wrong, I am still finding out my schedule with new friends and picking out dorm stuff is one of the most amazing feelings in the whole world. But it will never be the same as doing it with the friends I grew up with. But we are all off doing our own things now. This is mine. I am going to meet some amazing people that all have such amazing talent, I am going to live in a dorm with one of the nicest girls I have ever met in my entire life, and by the way, yes I do consider her a sister already.
There is one more thing that seems to be throwing off my entire being. The one thing that lets me know, "Hey, I'm actually leaving soon." Now what was it ... Oh yeah! THE BOXES PILED EVERYWHERE IN MY ROOM!
Packing. I have never actually done this on my own before. The eerie feeling of all my stuff packed away is enough to make me feel as if something different is coming. The anxiety of Am I packing enough? or Oh my gosh this feels like too much stuff. Then I have to remind myself that not all of my boxes are going to school with me. My little brother is getting my room after I leave, so whatever I don't take gets put into the back of the closet. It's really hard deciding what stays and what goes. I tend to keep things that no "normal" person ever would because of the memories they give me. The fact that I have to put most of these things away almost rips me in half. But I understand it is for the best. I know one day I will be back for all of the stuff I am leaving behind now. Until then, I will be having fun in a cramped, dark box.
This summer flew by so fast. I guess that's what happens when you do nothing but binge-watch "Friends" on Netflix. I am going to miss so many things about high school and this area where I grew up. The most important thing I will miss is my family. I just wanted to tell them thank you for encouraging me to be the best me I could ever be. I would've given up a long time ago had it not been for your help. With all of this change in the air, I know that this next year is going to be one of the most exciting years to come, and I love it already.
