There’s a moment in your life when you know everything is about to change.

You don’t know when, and you don’t know how you will react- but you know it’s coming.

It can be exciting; buying all this new stuff, matching bedding with your roommate, and preparing for the next four years of your life. The day comes when it’s time to leave so you have to say goodbye to your best friend who never left your side, but suddenly you’re leaving hers.

There’s something very special about that last moment, but there’s also a terrifying realization that she won’t be there with you the next 4 years. You say goodbye to your brother, your mom and your dad knowing that it isn’t goodbye, but just a see you later. The things and people you saw every day, go to being people that you used to see everyday.

You get there. It’s all exciting. You unpack all these new things. It seems like Christmas time in early August…so you set it all up. Your dad becomes a tech expert, and your mom becomes an interior designer. You take those candid dorm pictures, then go to visit the campus store. You browse through the clothes, books, supplies, and buy that car decal that you know everyone will have, and buy it anyway-- But that’s okay. It’s all part of the exciting, new college experience.

A week goes by and it all still feels fake- like you’re just away at some long summer camp.

You go to your first week of classes, try to get the feel for everything, figure out your eating, studying and workout habits/schedule. You begin to meet people, a lot of people, quickly. They’re fun, You hang out with them more and more and you soon realize that these people don’t have the same intentions as you.

You then find your true friends. The ones God intended on you having the rest of your life. You find the friends that go to the library with you instead of parties. You find the friends that push you to better yourself. You find friends that bring out the best in you. But most importantly, you find the friends that encourage you to strengthen your relationship with God.

Coming to terms with reality, and growing up.

You focus on finding yourself.

That’s college. That’s becoming an adult.