Leaving for college was surely a difficult decision, but I am so grateful I did. Although it is still a learning process, I am proud of the woman I transitioned to be from freshman to junior year.
1. Living in a new city and state
Before I left my home city, I didn’t think much about how I was moving to a state I had never been before, almost 800 miles away. Boy, was I in for a surprise. I had no idea where I was, or where anything was. But, being so far from home made me realize that change in scenery is always good, and I now appreciate my city ten times more!
2. Living with new people
When I received an email revealing who my roommate was, I was excited. I had never had a roommate before, and the thought of it sounded like and endless party. Well, my “endless party” resulted in fighting over who had to vacuum the floor and who could have their TV on. Although having a roommate wasn’t my cup of tea, I still had friends from all over the the country living in my dorm which was an added bonus. What I can say is that living with someone else helped me control my messiness, as well and be patient with others.
3. Doing my own laundry
Wow!!!! What a nightmare. My lovely mother had done my laundry all my life, so when she attempted to teach me how to separate and wash my clothes when she dropped me off at college I was very distraught. “What do you mean I have to separate the colors and put it on the correct setting? Why can’t I just throw it all in?” Clearly, I was spoiled at home. Slowly but surely I stopped having to call my mom every time I attempted to do my laundry. Needless to say, whenever I go home now I have to do my own laundry. Thanks, mom. ):
4. Managing my money
When my mom broke the news that she was only going to give me money every two weeks and I wouldn’t get more if I ran out, it made me shake. “What if I don’t have money to do my nails or pay the cover charge on Thursdays?!” It is safe to say I had to learn the hard way. Since I wasn’t living with my parents, I had no one to give me money every time I left my room. I had many debates and sacrifices on whether I wanted to buy groceries or go out… Although I am still learning how to manage, three years later, I am happy to say I am not the same girl from freshman year begging for more allowance—I have a job and only occasionally ask for allowance.
5. Being away from family
The moment I said bye to my grandparents before starting my new journey, was once of the most difficult things I have ever done. How do I go from seeing the same people every day to only getting a seldom Face Time call? Although I wanted to go home all the time to see my family, I now appreciate them more and this distance has definitely brought us closer.
6. A Fresh Start
This is what college is all about. A new beginning. A new journey. With moving to another state or city, away from your usual surroundings, you grow as a person. You are able to make this excursion, called life, whatever you want it to be. This fresh start helped me grow as a person, and has helped shape the woman that I am today. This transition has opened my eyes to the real world and I am so happy I decided to move away for college.
