On August 11th, 2016, I packed up my things, said my goodbyes, got in my car and drove for six hours to my new home: Boone, North Carolina. At the time, the only things I knew were the songs playing on the radio and my roommates name. Little did I know, my life was going to change over night. When I said my goodbyes to my family and headed up to the little shoebox of dorm that has now become my home, it all felt so surreal. My mom? Headed back to Beaufort. My friends? Headed off to different schools. My coworkers? Headed into work, something I couldn't do anymore. Not even to mention, I hardly knew my way around Boone and barely could navigate my way through campus without getting lost.
It's been three months now. Looking back, time flew by, but it still feels like it's been forever. I could navigate Boone in my sleep, and campus? That's nothing. My shoebox has turned into my home, and my home has turned into my moms home. After three months, coming home for the first time and seeing my family is, well, different. Life has moved on without me. I knew the world wasn't going to stop while I was away yet I'm still sitting here surprised. Coming back to my house doesn't feel like home. I am living out of a suitcase in my bedroom. Sometimes I even get the urge to leave, so I'm not driving home in the dark but here I am, home. It didn't hit me until now that I am in college far away and that's the new chapter of my life. And to think that this chapter is halfway done.
In two weeks I'll be home, celebrating finishing my first semester of freshman year. In two weeks I'll be home, celebrating finishing my first semester of freshman year. That still shocks me. All of the home football games, over. All of my classes, done. All of my friends, going home. After almost four months of learning who I am and where I want to be, here I am halfway through this year. All of the times that twelve page research papers consumed me or I spent a little to much time with friends instead of studying, are about to be paused for semester break.
Looking back this time last year, I was starting to get acceptance letters, buying my prom dress (I know, I got mine way too early) and answering questions about graduation and where I might go to school. Now, I'm answering questions about my college experience. I'm so lucky to be somewhere I love with the people I love. It's crazy to stop and see the people and places that made my life mine this time last year and compare it to now. I'm glad to be home, but I'm more glad I have two homes now.
