Probably the hardest part about moving 8 hours away was leaving everything and everyone I knew behind and picking up my life in a new place. I spent 12 years in a place I knew inside and out with people I had grown up with. You’d think it would be a comforting feeling, but by the time senior year came along, I was so ready to leave.
Then before I knew it, it was move-in day and I watched my parents drive away without me for the first time. I remember feeling so tiny in a sea of 20,000 people, unable to understand how to meet new friends, what to do on the weekends, where to go and what to sign up for. Sitting in my first college chem and bio classes, realizing that this is what I will be doing for the rest of my life, honestly scared me at first. It was a lot to take in at once. Now, I’m one week away from (hopefully) finishing my first semester in college. Looking back, I can say that coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I finally took my life back and did what I’ve always wanted to do.
I gained confidence, independence, happiness and self-love. I learned that the only way you’ll learn how to live is if you step outside of that comfort zone and do something that scares the hell out of you. Moving here gave me the chance to start over, to make a new life and do what I love every day. Even though it’s been hard, it’s taught me to be dedicated not only in my academics but in my relationships as well.
Living 511 miles away from home meant that I couldn’t go on weekend trips to New Jersey to see my best friends anymore like I used to do. I had to miss important events and break annual traditions, which hasn’t been easy. But it also taught me about managing long-distance friendships and the dedication that comes along with them.
Even though I achingly miss my incredible camp family every day, it’s made me appreciate the random FaceTime calls I get from my best friend that’s led to me “taking a break” from my studying in the library to sit in an egg chair and talk for the next 2 hours to catch up on each other’s lives. The group Skype sessions until 3 AM on weekends make us all more excited to see each other over break.
And when Thanksgiving break finally arrived, those best friend reunions of tight, “I can’t breathe! You’re going to crush me” hugs, endless laughter and the “Oh my gosh I can’t believe you’re actually standing in front of me!” made my heart soar. Now that we can’t be together all the time, it’s taught me to appreciate them and look forward to every break even more.
We still call each other and send texts in all caps at ungodly hours of the night when we need urgent advice or desperately have to share any exciting news. We still scream and tackle each other at our reunions. The distance didn’t make us grow apart, it only strengthened our bond. Because if you want it to work, you’ll put in the time and heart to make it work.
The same goes for my family. In high school, you always annoy your parents and think that they’re such pushovers... but in college you find yourself calling your mom at 1 AM to cry over a heartbreak and have her tell you it’s going to be okay in the end because he’d never find someone who loved him so fiercely as I did.
I never realized how much sacrifice and dedication my parents put it into making my dreams become a reality. They never questioned my insane decision once, drove me to Ohio and back without complaints, jumped at the chance to visit me the second I asked and counted down the days until they saw me walk off the bus into their arms.
They taught me to love without question, to dedicate my soul to everything I do and give me advice anytime I need it. My first semester taught me many things, but most importantly, it changed me into the person I’ve always wanted to be.
So here’s to the first half of a new journey completed.