During my junior year of high school, I started dating a guy who stole my heart and wouldn’t return it. I fell in love with this guy, and I could honestly never figure out why. He was the goofiest and weirdest creature God created, but at the time I thanked God every day for putting this goofy, weird creature into my life. He was everything I had ever dreamed of in my whole 16 years of watching romantic movies and television shows about how perfect my relationships needed to be.

One year later and still in love with the guy who made me the happiest girl on earth, we started our senior year of high school together. Throughout the year we had together, of course we fought, and of course we had our problems, but hey, I eventually realized that relationships aren’t always Lifetime OnDemand perfect. We continued to push through, and finally made it to the day we got to throw our graduation caps in the air and sing the alma mater that no one even knew the words to.

College was the next big leap in our lives. While I wanted to attend Western Carolina University, he wanted to go to Appalachian State University. At this time we both promised each other we would make things work between us no matter what happened. While coming up on my move-in date, I made the decision to leave him behind while still keeping my promise that everything would work out with a plan from God. Needless to say, that grew to be a very hard promise to keep. I did not like the idea of not having him around all the time. I did not like that I wasn’t able to drive seven minutes to his house just so I could run away from all of my problems. I definitely didn’t like that I didn’t have anyone to show me the love and support that he did when we were together.

I do not regret coming to Western even though moving three hours away from the guy I was in love with ruined everything that we had. It has been said, “If you love someone, no matter the distance, you can make it work.” I don't completely disagree with that saying, but distance ruined everything about my relationship, and whatever happiness I thought I had was gone. Moving to WCU was the end of fairlytale happiness, and it was the beginning of the freshman 15. I became depressed and started heavily drinking. Alcohol was taking over my body, and I felt like I wasn't in control anymore.

So now I am a junior facing the real world, feeling alone and sad inside, but still keeping a positive head on my shoulders. If there is one thing that I have learned in my 15 years of schooling, it is that you have to chase your dreams no matter what obstacles you may encounter. Therefore, with or without him, I will follow my dreams and make sure nothing gets in my way. I have become a very strong individual, and I am willing to continue this journey alone if that is what it takes.