I am writing this article on a six-hour flight to San Diego, while all of the other passengers stare at me because I can not stop crying. What they don't know is that I just walked away from the most important people in my life. I hugged my family and best friends goodbye and boarded a plane that would take me across the country, all by myself.
It was early December when I found out I had been accepted to San Diego State University. The second I opened that acceptance letter, I just knew I had to go. How could I not follow my gut? How could I ignore something that felt so right? I spent the rest of my senior year in high school on the edge of my seat, so eager; I couldn't wait to graduate, I couldn't wait to leave. What I wish I could go back and tell myself is that leaving is the easiest part. It takes nothing to book a flight and board a plane. The hardest part is saying goodbye to the people that stay back and watch you get on that plane.
I have spent the last two weeks saying goodbye to all of my friends. And because I think "goodbye" is kind of harsh, I decided that it would only be a "see ya later," thus creating my "see ya later series." I wrote each of my friends letters and posted all of my favorite pictures with them in parts. I never realized how many incredible memories I had with these people until I was forced to sort through them all in order to say farewell. As I uploaded each part of the series and handed out the letters, it got more difficult each time. This is everything I have ever wanted. I always dreamed of leaving my hometown for college. I was so prepared to pack up my things and go but nothing could've prepared me for actually leaving all of my loved ones.
Although this week has been emotionally exhausting, I could not be happier. Underneath the tears and initial sadness lays excitement and gratitude. I am ready to jump head-first into this new chapter of my life and am so appreciative to have friends and family back home that love and support me through everything. Without them, I would not have the confidence or belief in myself to embark on this incredible journey. I thank them every day for loving me enough to do this, for loving me enough to let me go and chase my dreams. They are the epitome of unconditional love. They are the people that I aim to make proud and the faces I am already so excited to see when I go back.
To my friends and family, I love you much more than you know. Thank you for hugging me when I cry, for cheering me on when I succeed and for believing in me enough to make up for the times when I did not. My best friend said to me, "you got this, every second of it," and she couldn't be more right. On the days where I am homesick, when I wonder if it was all worth it, I will think of them. Though I may be across the country, I still send my love and support their way. I wish them luck on their own endeavors while I venture out on my own. My home lays with them and nothing will ever change that.
Remember, on opposite sides of the country or not, I am just a phone call, a FaceTime, or a text away. This is not goodbye, just a "see ya later."
