I've always been someone who was somewhat co-dependant. I guess that's what happens when you're an only child and you get all the attention from your parents. I never liked to go anywhere alone. I never liked to do anything by myself. I always had to be around someone, but it was a comfort thing. I mean, I went everywhere and did everything with my parents, so it makes sense.

When I was little, I crossed the street holding their hands, like many kids did. I was dropped off and picked up from school by them. I didn't grow up like my parents did where they walked to school by themselves or made their own lunch every day, but I'm thankful I had my parents always there by my side. When I got to high school, I became a little bit more independent, but I still had my dependent tendencies. For example, during lunch time, I never liked to walk to the bathroom by myself. Weird right? A friend had brought it up and at first, I was hurt, but then I knew I had to change my ways and break out of my shell.

Then I went to college and I was going to be on my own for the very first time and I'm proud to say that I made that decision on my own. I wanted to do that for myself. I knew it was going to be a big challenge, but it was time to let go and to experience this new chapter in my life. It's funny because as soon as my parents helped me set up my dorm and everything, I was ready to be on my own. It was terrifying, don't get me wrong, but I was happy that I was experiencing this life as an unsheltered kid for once.

I was taking the shuttle on my own. I did laundry on my own. I made friends on my own. I couldn't believe this new and improved me. To be able to do things for yourself without someone else is such a humbling thing and I didn't have to answer to anyone. As the years went by and the dorms changed, I was cooking on my own and doing my own grocery shopping, cleaning, and walking to campus without anyone else.

For me, it took baby steps and sometimes I still like to have someone around me, but eventually, I'll learn to break away from that. I have come a long way and that's such an accomplishment. As my mom always says, "There are going to be times where nobody is going to be there to hold your hand" and that's so true. We may not want to hear it, but it's good to hear it. Even though I may get discouraged or lost, I'm here to guide myself, always.