I am what they call a “homebody." At the same time, I love trying new things, stepping out of my comfort zone, and experiencing all that life has to offer.

I have been blessed with a family who has given me both freedom and comfort. I have grown up having normal responsibilities while also having freedom, meaning my parents let me make my own decisions (for the most part) which allowed me to mature at an earlier age. I was never told to do my homework or study; I always did it on my own. With that being said, college should be a breeze for someone who has always been so self-sufficient. I do believe I will be able to balance the distractions and partying with the laundry and studying, which a lot of incoming students feel is the most difficult part.

However, there's just one thing:

I don't want to go to college.

Being homesick for a homebody is one of the worst feelings, and with no access to a car during my first year, I can't just come home whenever I want. Now that I'm faced with the reality of leaving home for more than a couple weeks at a time, I am terrified. It is quite conflicting because I also am excited. For kids who feel suffocated by their overbearing parents, college may be a dream come true. For me, however, it just means leaving my home and family.

I can't come home to my own bed anymore with my air-conditioned room, only having to walk a few feet to my kitchen with a variety of late-night snacks.

I can't come home to my animals greeting me at the door, my mom asking me how my day was, or my dad waiting for me to come play Fornite with him (our everyday routine).

Instead, I will make a new home. I will have new after-class routines and new friends that will become like family. What I am going to keep in my mind is that home is a feeling, and a lot of other people feel the same way I do. Sure it will take some adjusting, but college is filled with opportunity, adventure, and others who are adjusting as well. Because of this, I know I can do it.