College? Next week? Excuse me? These thoughts clog my mind. Somehow summer flew by me without warning, and I now find myself moving into college this week. Time passed too briskly. Two months quickly turned into one month. One month quickly turned into twenty days. Twenty days quickly turned into one week. I have never experienced such a wide variety of emotions. Pure thrill and pure terror. No matter how you feel, it undoubtedly is happening. So you take a deep breath and pray that your last week lasts longer than the months before.

You now reach the time where conversations solely revolve around your upcoming journey. Small talk shifts from, “Hi, how are you” to, “Heyyyyy there! Are you excited? Are you ready?” Numerous questions and countless advice explodes around us. Everything discussed with friends turns into what you will do together when you arrive home for break. Even if you know your precise plan or you still contemplate choices, everyone inquires about your major, living situation and future plans. Although it seems overwhelming at times, it brings me comfort to know that so many people genuinely care about me and what lies ahead of me.

Preparing to haul your belongings along with you welcomes unwanted stress. Packing slaps you with confusion and exhaustion. An entire side of my room finds itself dedicated to holding bedding, decor and other crucial dorm room items. It’s impossible to know precisely everything essential that you will require regarding dorm living and school supplies. You take a guess and hope that you are perfectly prepared. I, myself, detest feeling unready or unsure. With that being said, this week has greatly tested my ability to remain calm while not being wholly in control. In regards to moving for college, there is no wrong or right way but stressing about it is useless.

I realize now that there was a steady road of maturing that equipped me for college throughout these past months. Of course, I am not claiming to be a full on college student just yet. I am merely stating that the thought of a college atmosphere no longer frightens me. Likewise, I observed my fellow incoming freshman friends grow during the summer into a place between youth and adulthood. We find ourselves slightly disconnected from high school students; there is an apparent separation from the way they behave and the way we behave. It is not a difference of maturity but rather a difference of independence. Incoming freshman accept the oncoming responsibilities and trials, so we adapt as necessary.

When you face your last week home all of a sudden you notice that you're facing last moments. Your final days of minuscule responsibility. Your last home cooked meal. Your last goodbyes to friends and family. It often bubbles into an overwhelming panic. No matter how you feel about the future it is common for your emotions to be heightened during your last week. The times you savor with those closest to you become your most memorable moments. Almost everything I encounter now brings the thought, "This could be the last time experiencing this." Relish all of your upcoming days because your days are steadily lessening.

Goodbyes are destined to consume you before departing. Some people lay out their farewells according to importance while others lay them out randomly. Evidently, bidding goodbyes to one's closest family and friends wins the prize for the most distressing point. Whether you hide every single tear or you bawl like a baby, your heart feels tugged. Of course leaving loved ones ranks close to impossible, but you cannot accurately imagine it until it happens. Do not underestimate the importance hidden in goodbyes when you leave.

Well, the clock is ticking and every minute counts. Hold tight to your memories and embrace the incoming surprises. Life as you know it is changing. Accept any advice from those who offer it and don't be afraid to make mistakes. We will be newbies at college and there is no reason to act otherwise. Ignore the intimidation brought with your final week; accept the overflowing emotions and changes coming your way. Your last week home before college is inevitable so welcome it with anticipation.