I start my senior year of college in a week and a half. My mother and grandmother live in North Carolina and my boyfriend and his family have moved out of Florida. I used to go home to my hometown every break I had from college, Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and summer. Now that besides a few family members and all my friends, I don't have any reason to go to my hometown during breaks.

After I graduate in May, I won't be in Florida anymore either unless I get a job here right away. Leaving my hometown at the beginning of August to go back to my college was a very hard thing to do. Especially because unless I have enough free time to drive up and visit, this was the last time seeing my friends for a very long time. Most of which didn't have any idea I wouldn't be coming back to town.

I have been torn about telling them and about leaving for so long. I have been scared these friendships and relationships I have with them will fade away and just not exist anymore if I leave Florida or don't come back to our hometown. I even broke down a few times and asked one of my best guy friends if we would be okay if I moved out of state and stuff and went on a rant to him about my feelings on it and how I felt like I would be abandoning everybody.

I still feel like I am abandoning everyone, but at the same time, if these friendships and relationships are strong, then leaving is just a new chapter and it shouldn't affect them in any way besides not seeing each other.

Leaving behind your friends and the place you grew up to go start a new chapter of your life can be an intimidating and painful experience, but in the end, it will all work itself out and should end up okay.