I'm in college and life will never be the same; this statement hit me early this week. I'm a freshman in college. I live three to four hours away (depending on traffic) from my family, my home, my beloved neighborhood.
Growing up, college never appeared as an "if I go" it was always a "when I go." I always dreamed about my college room, my new friends, and my exciting classes. Not once in my mind did I think about my family, friends, and familiar places with sadness (and so much love).
I never thought coming to college would change my life so drastically.
I miss the messy mornings, the annoying passing periods, the ongoing family dinners. My old life.
However, I am incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to receive an education. Not everyone has the option to go to college, which is heartbreaking — education is life changing.
Attending college has forever changed me. I will no longer be a permanent resident of my childhood home. I will no longer be able to go to Kroger every night of the week. I will no longer be surrounded by people who know me more than I know myself.
This experience requires adjustment and patience, but the realization that my life is now changed is daunting. I will always be my mother's daughter. I will always be the messy baker. I will always be constantly changing. But, now, life appears so different. Everything I do is now directly impacting my future, my life, my world.
College has changed everything. I know things will become more "normal," but the distance between my loving home and my dusty apartment seems wider than the earth to the moon — and that's scary.