People say college is some of the best years of your life, and they're right. Thus far, college has been a highlight of my life. But it has also been the most stressful. Not only are you getting a higher-level education, you are also paying thousands of dollars for it, and paying for rent, utilities and cable, having to go to class and then study while at home, participating in other organizations, having a job and a number of other things that college kids do or have to deal with. It's the time where we get to play, but we also have to work hard, and you look to your family to fall back on when times are tough. But for me, it's a little harder than that because my family lives out of state.
Freshman year, my family and I had to make a big decision about moving. My mom got an awesome job offer, my grandma was getting older, and our family was still in Washington, so they moved back while I stayed here. Now that I am half way done with my junior year, I know I wouldn't want it any other way, but there were times where I just wasn't sure if I could do it. Not being able to go to your family whenever you want is the hardest thing. There were times where I contemplated transferring. But I toughed it out and am glad I did.
It's still hard everyday without being able to drive a few hours to see my family. I've been through break-ups without being able to go home and cry and cuddle with my mom, and I've moved twice without being able to use my dad's truck to move all of my big stuff. I can't go home to see my siblings play soccer or basketball and watch them grow up. It'll only last another two years and then I'll move home, but I still miss them every day like crazy.
There is an upside to this hardship, though: when I get to go home over Christmas or summer, I appreciate the time I have with them so much more. I know that after I spend that time with them, it'll be months before I can see them again. Living in two different times zones makes it hard to communicate, and I know sometimes my mom doesn't always think I miss her because I am just busy with life. But she is and will always be the first one I call when I have news and I miss her every day. My dad and I might not talk every day or every week for that matter, but when we do we have hour-long conversations about what's been going on in our lives. The times I get to Facetime my siblings before bed are some of my favorites because they always manage to put a smile on my face when they're acting crazy.
Going through college with your family in a different state is very hard and I understand. But if you are going through the same doubts I did, just remember your family will always be there for you regardless of where you are and to appreciate the time you have with them more because you never know where you'll end up or when you'll be able to see them next.
