So, my first two weeks of college is over. Were they scary? Yes. Were they it fun? Definitely yes. Did I miss home as much as I said I would? Not exactly. See, that’s the thing about moving away to college. You’re not sure how it’s actually going to be. You say you’ll call your best friend every day and that some days it might be unbearable how much you miss your family. You say you’ll come home every chance you get and as soon as you come home you’ll have plans made. The truth is, things aren’t like you imagined. So, here’s to the people I left back home.
To my parents, you know I love you and miss you so much, but I’m not coming home every weekend like I said I would. I know it’s going to be hard for you. Your baby girl is growing up and she has finally left the nest. I said I’d come home every chance I get, but I’m not so sure I will anymore. My first week of college has treated me well and it’s made me realize that the freedom I longed for, but was also terrified of, is actually amazing. I will, however, come home when I’m in desperate need of doing the laundry. Even though, I won’t come home as much, I’ll still make time to Facetime you and of course call when I see a spider in my room. You’re still the reason I’m here (on the Earth and at Winthrop) and nothing can take that away. So, as your little girl grows up, let her. I love you. Take care.
To my sister, even though you’re older, I feel like I’ve one upped you. I moved away first. Actually, now that I think about it, I haven’t one upped you. I’ve always been used to learning from you. I always knew which teachers were hard, how easy the driver’s test was, what hair product to use, how to find the fake friends because you did it first. Now, I moved out before you. I don’t know which professors are hard or if an on campus job is going to be worth it. You’re home. I’m learning what it’s like to move out before you. Wow. I’m not sure whether to be proud or terrified. I do know this; you’re home with our parents. Please be nice to them. Please try to comfort them if they miss me even if that means joking about how our mom would have to make two meals if I was there (since I’m so picky). Please enjoy the home cooked meals. The cafeteria food is nowhere near the amazing quality of home cooked. Please study hard. Make our parents proud. I love you, even when I hate you.
To my best friend, I knew it was going to be hard leaving you. You’re like family. We said we’d Facetime all the time, but, honestly, we’ve barely texted each other. I know you’re in school and I am, too. Although, life doesn’t seem fair. Since when is it okay for life to just send people on their separate ways? You’ll always be in my heart, though. I want you to know this; I’m proud of you. I know a lot of people frown upon you going to school back home and not moving out, but I couldn’t be more proud of you. You’re furthering your education and you’re making something of yourself. Wherever you do that doesn’t matter as long as you do it. I, also, know you get tired of people asking where you’re going to transfer and get mad when they answer their own question and say Winthrop. If you do plan to transfer to Winthrop, I’ll be here with open arms ready to show you how to get around campus. If you transfer somewhere else, that’ll be fine, too. No matter what, I know when I see you we’ll pick up right where we left off. No one could ever replace you and our friendship. I know you’ll get jealous of my roommate, but I promise you’ll love her as much as I do. I know I don’t say this enough, so thank you for everything you’ve done for me throughout our friendship. I love you.
To the Guy I Will Never Get Rid of, leaving you was hard, too. Even though, we don’t hang out that much, I still didn’t want to leave you. One thing I’m proud to say, is you still text me every day. I’m glad that we can keep in touch and laugh about everything even when we’re stressed. I’m proud of you, too. You’re furthering your education in a school less traveled by. Remember to always do your best and keep your head up, but never get cocky. Keep working out because abs are a huge turn on for girls, and please keep telling me to do squats. I hate it, but it kind of motivates me to actually do them. Make sure you acknowledge when I come home that my butt actually is getting bigger, even if it’s just from all the stairs I climb. Although I hate to admit it, you’re the guy I will never get rid of because I don’t WANT to. To me, you’re a great guy. And if a girl comes along while I’m up here in Rock Hill, treat her right. Will I be happy you found a girl? Not at first, but I’ll come around. Thanks for the friendship we share. I honestly could never find another guy like you. I love you some type of way.
My first two weeks of college had ups and downs. It stressed me out, but made me super excited for the year to come. The feeling is still bittersweet. I know now that college isn’t what I expected, but it’s going to be even better than I imagined. I’m ready to take on all the obstacles and conquer everything Winthrop has to offer.
To the people back home, 125 miles is the physical distance between us, but our hearts know no distance. I love you all and I’ll come home soon. I’ll see you there.
Love,
Your Winthrop Eagle
