Well, congratulations. You have finally finished high school. It's been one wild and crazy ride, hasn't it? Well, I'm here to assure you that the ride isn't over. You are about to embark on the next (and might I say best) chapter of your life. Since I have already been through this process I am here to tell you:
1. Saying goodbye isn't easy.
Goodbyes are never easy nor were they made to be easy. However, for some reason saying goodbye to your friends you see every day or almost every day are the hardest goodbyes ever. During high school you lose and gain friends, you become so close with some they become your best friends. You never truly think about the fact that after high school ends you may never talk or see them ever again.
2. Packing is the worst.
You may say that you're going to start packing early in the summer but I can reassure you that will not happen. You will be so busy enjoying your summer before college. Whether you're working or spending time with friends, you'll always put off packing. When it comes down to the month you leave, you start thinking to yourself "oh maybe I should pack a little every day", and maybe that will happen but most likely it won't. When it gets down to the last two weeks, it starts hitting you; you are leaving in just a few days. You may start to panic, but I can tell you, there is NO need to panic. Pack the essentials. Make a list of things you need to buy and things you already have that you know you can pick away. It is okay to forget something, you and your parents can run to the store once you're at school. Believe me, they will love running the last couple of errands with you.
3. It's okay to be scared.
No one said this isn't going to be a scary experience. I mean, you're leaving maybe two hours away or six hours away from home. You won't have your car, you won't be coming home after school to a snack and your mom. You're going to be in a whole new atmosphere. All I can say is that it's okay to be scared, it's part of life. Be brave and know that you'll be fine.
4. You have so many people supporting you.
You have so much to live for and there are so many people behind you supporting you. You will do great things, even wonderful things, you will become the best version of you. If you feel like you have no support, always remember that you have your friends and family. They will always be your biggest supporters and help to push you.
5. The day you leave is full of emotions.
Once the car is packed, you've said your goodbyes and you are in the car driving to college feelings will slowly start to sink in. You will feel excited, sad, and scared. All these emotions are good, don't keep them pent up, show them. It's okay to cry on this day, it's okay to laugh and smile at all the excitement. It is also okay to be scared and immediately question the distance. In the end, you will be okay. This is the last time you'll see your parents for a month or so, so tell them you love them. It's exciting decorating your room and organizing everything. Take this moment in, it will go by quicker than you think.
6. The next chapter in your life is about to begin.
College is just another chapter in your life. You get to experience freedom and learning how to be on your own. You'll be faced with some difficulties, but you will survive them. This is a new and exciting time in your life. You'll go to many places, meet new people, and create wonderful memories that'll become stories. Cherish the next fours years, it does fly by.
7. You will miss your parents and home more than you think.
Whether you realize it or not you WILL miss your parents. It's completely normal to become homesick, it happens to everyone. Just remind yourself that they are just a phone call away. Even at three o'clock in the morning they will answer the phone. When you come home for the first time you will miss school. However, home is where the heart is and it's the best feeling sleeping in your own bed. Enjoy the next few months of being home, coming home to your parents, and seeing them every day. Home will always be home but it becomes a place that you visit during breaks.
To my lovely freshman, I leave you with a quote from Dr. Seuss:
"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!"
