The time has come, and I'm here to confirm that this moment is much more difficult than I ever expected it to be. But, it's also really amazing!

Growing up I always knew I wanted to go to college on the East Coast. However, for some reason I never envisioned myself living past high school and actually making it out of the small town I grew up in just outside of LA. But, I am very proud to say that I did it! I graduated and I am on my way to start my first year at The George Washington University in Washington, DC!

I always thought I would be bursting with joy to run out of my town as fast as possible to jump on a plane and get to college. And while I am bursting with joy to make it out of this place(thank you universe), I'm going to miss my family and friends here so very much. I am thrilled to finally experience real seasons and to start my new journey in college, but it's the most major life change that I have ever experienced and it's a lot to take in at once.

I am going to miss the breathtaking sunsets, an abundance of green juice, Urth Caffe, museum trips with my mom, my dad's meticulous mumbling, my sister's witty banter, my IB family, and my cat's calming purr. But, I do know that I'll be back in a few months to reunite with my friends and family. I also know that I'm moving on to make new friends, memories, traditions, and to grow. I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to live in DC and pursue my passion at GW, and I know that after some time I will be well adjusted and loving life.

Although this moment has seemed distant and impossible for such a long time, the truth is that the time has come to say goodbye to LA and hello to DC! And if I'm being completely honest with myself, I don't think that you can ever really be completely ready to leave behind everything you've ever known and start fresh on the other side of the country. So, there's no better time than right this moment. After all, what I'm really worried about is the unknown and I can't fix this fear without jumping headfirst into the unknown. So, here I go! Here's to new academic success, friendships, memories, laughs, and an immense sense of gratitude for the past experiences that built me.

LA, thank you for the: friends, family, concerts, sunshine, salads, beach days, laughs, nonexistent public transportation, instagrammable street murals, yoga, hiking trails, open spaces, late nights/early mornings, comfort, bonfires, and love.

I've waited my whole life for this moment, and I'm most certainly not going to let a little fear get the best of me. I have a beautiful blessing right in front of my eyes and now it's time to soak it all in and live my best life!

See you later, LA! See you soon, DC! The whole world is in front of me and there's no time like the present to live boldly!