I said goodbye to my parents and my sister for one last time before I headed up to my dorm where I found myself very alone. It was quiet and still as I stood alone in my dorm room taking in the sight of three empty beds, the evening light streaming in through the window and dust floating through the air.

For a while, I stood in the silence for a while before a wave of sadness washed over me as the realization hit that I was truly alone without my parents, the anchors of my existence for the past 21 years. I finally was alone to act as an adult by buying my own food, washing my own clothes and making my own choices whether they be bad or good. It was a new freedom that I had not yet grown accustomed to and to be completely honest...it was terrifying.

Never in my life have I had the freedom of living by myself since I have never lived in a dorm room or lived on my own and for a prolonged period of time if that! However, my sadness was soon overcome by joy as I started to think about all of the possibilities and opportunities I had waiting for me. They were endless and I was going to take advantage of each one.

The first couple of days by myself were lonely as I didn't have a roommate yet and I didn't know anyone around me. The loneliness faded away with time as I got used to my routine and I met new people and made new memories.

Now that it is a week later since I first got here and started living on my own, I have set into a routine and I feel better than ever. I have grown to like my newfound freedom and I have personally decided to make the best of it. There are so many things to do and to see and I can't wait for to see it all!

I have biked around my new surroundings a little bit earlier in the week to become acquainted with the little island that I am going to call my home for the next few months. I went for the bike ride just as the sun was setting and to say the view was absolutely stunning would be an understatement. The way the sun shone on the water and the way the wind rippled through the waves is a sight that I will never forget.

By biking around and gathering in the common room, I have met many new people from different walks of life. Some who are from the State where this site is located in and some who have come from across the country and maybe even across the globe. I've found that talking to these people have deepened my understanding and allowed me to get a little peek into what their lives are like compared to mine.

So, yes, I'm doing better than I was the day that I was left on the island alone. I am completely grateful for this opportunity and I'm glad that I am able to take part in this adventure of mine.

Thanks for reading! Until next time!