Being away for college is such a relief if you love your independence.

I love college. I love being able to do what I need and not have to really answer to anyone. College was such a rush for me. I could be out until the next morning if I wanted to be. It was a nice feeling but quickly went away when I realized that I was still being held back.

I didn't have a job, so I got one. I didn't have a car, but my parents were gracious enough to lend me one. I made enough money that I got a puppy. I'm making even more money, so now I'm moving out of my free college dorm into an apartment that I am paying for myself. I can afford these things for myself, but do I want to?

Now I work 40 hours a week so that I can save money to buy things I really need for myself. I barely have time to go out and meet friends, let alone spend time with my boyfriend. I love the roommates I'm going to have, my puppy, and my boyfriend. However, I wish I had taken it slow. I wish I had been able to enjoy life for a second, not tell my boss that I'm okay to work like a dog (pun intended).

I got into a car accident, and I still see that as Karma. I was cocky.

I was taking things for granted and my car being totaled was a huge piece of my life missing. Not having a car in college, with a job, is incredibly difficult. I have to ask people for rides, and my anxiety makes that very hard. Other times I uber to work which is expensive considering I live in the Atlanta area where everything is expensive. I take my dog to work with me, which makes it hard to uber. You get my point.

I took life by the armful and I should've just taken it a handful at a time. I still love my life and who I'm surrounded with, I just wish I had time to breathe now. Mooch off your parents and appreciate them. That's what they're there for, sometimes.