For as long as I can remember I had my heart set on moving out of my small rural town to a more urban area. I wanted a place with more excitement and more things to do; at home I was known for exclaiming “I’m bored!” even as I grew from a child to an adult. At the beginning of my college career, I fell madly in love with the field of Psychology. More specifically I took an interest in Counseling. From that moment I added finishing my Bachelor’s degree—and moving on to a Master’s program—to my list of dreams. I had no idea these dreams would come true so quickly. Within three consecutive days I found myself graduating with my undergraduate degree, celebrating my 22nd birthday, and moving to an urban area where I would soon be pursuing my Master’s degree.
The experience was exciting. I finished my finals on a Monday, moved out of my dorm on a Tuesday, and began packing a trailer that would get all of my belongings to the city that same night. As I packed each piece of furniture and each knick-knack I imagined how they would fit into the house I’d be renting with two of my best friends. I found myself lying awake at night imagining my new home and everything that surrounded it. Every so often a thought of graduation would also enter my mind and I found myself filled with pride over my accomplishments made in the past four years. These thoughts were not without their feelings of anxiety, however.
During the week leading up to everything, I felt overwhelmed. First, I was consumed by the studying that needed to be done for my last finals. The day after they were complete, my time was taken over by packing almost all of my belongings for the move. During this time I was also working with my friends to be sure everything was in place for the new house- WiFi, electricity, etc. This week also included graduation practice, getting together with college friends to say our goodbyes, and cleaning the house for a graduation/birthday party my mom was throwing me the evening after commencement. Despite being so overwhelmed, I felt fortunate during this week.
I was fortunate to have the motivation and work ethic that allowed me to make it through my undergraduate career with a high GPA. I was also fortunate for those who were supporting me through the fast transition. My best friend, parents, and even one of my professors gave me the encouragement and help I needed to push through that hectic week. I also found myself being very thankful for all of the furniture and other household supplies that I had gathered from family members that no longer needed them. Lastly, I was fortunate to have my dreams coming true.
I am happy to say that everything went well. I graduated magna cum laude on Saturday, and spent the evening surrounded by friends and family as we celebrated my achievements. On Sunday, I celebrated my birthday (which was shared with Mother’s day) and spent much needed time relaxing with my family. On Monday I moved into my new home in a place I had always wanted to be. Though it was overwhelming, I reminded myself to slow down a few times during those three days just to take everything in. In the end I am forever thankful for the way everything turned out, and wouldn’t change any of it.
