Unlike many people, I was lucky enough to have my twin brother through every milestone of my life. From sitting next to each other on our first day of kindergarten to standing in front of him to accept our diplomas. Deciding where to go to college was the first time I realized that my brother and I would not be experiencing everything together anymore.

Throughout my senior year of high school, people always asked me the same question.

"Where do you want to go to college?"

My brother and I both applied to all the Universities in Arizona because that is where we grew up. I applied to a few out of state colleges to see my options but honestly, I didn't think I would actually decide to go out of state. We toured all of the colleges in Arizona together, we even toured the University of Tennessee in Knoxville as well. After each tour, I would ask him if he wanted to go to school there because I just assumed we would make that decision together.

After touring out of state colleges, I realized there is so much more outside of my suburb in Phoenix, Arizona. I was set on going out of state, but a hard pill to swallow was being a four and a half hour flight away from the person I had never known my life without.

My brother truly is my best friend.

A common misconception people have about twins is that we do everything together, but that has never been the case with us. Yes, we shared birthdays together and a car for a while, but that was about it. We had different friends, played different sports, and were in different classes. Although our schedules were always the complete opposite of each other, he was always there when it came time to say 'goodnight'. That is something I wish I never took for granted.

Telling all my friends and family that I was continuing my education at the University of Kentucky was so rewarding. I was proud to feel confident enough to move 1,500 miles away from my family and friends and start this next stage in my life independently. What I was unaware of is how hard it actually is.

Saying goodbye to my brother at the airport was one of the hardest things I had to do. At that moment, I knew I really was growing up. Most people realize they are growing up on their 18th birthday, or high school graduation but that wasn't the case to me. I knew at that moment that I had to say goodbye to my childhood and that I was beginning the first stages of my life as an adult. I couldn't lean on him for support anymore. This was the start of my independence, and I was terrified to see what it had in store for me.

Living in the dorms took some adjusting. I was living with three girls I barely knew, in a city hundreds of miles away from any friends or family. I called my brother every day, asking about college, to see how our family was doing, or just to chat. It was hard not to be able to walk out of my room and straight into his anymore.

As time went on, we talked less frequently. We started schools, got involved with activities on campus, and didn't have time for those phone calls as often. Even though we didn't talk every day, we would always check up on each other. I constantly look forward to our next phone call to tell him about what is happening in my life, and to hear about his. I am glad we are able to share our different experiences with each other.

Thank you, James, for constantly supporting me and being there for me when I needed it the most, and helping me prepare for this stage of my life. Thank you University of Kentucky for giving me experiences I will never forget. Thank you to Pi Beta Phi for giving me over 300 girls I am proud to call my sisters. Most of all, thank you, Haggin Hall, for giving me girls that I cannot believe I ever lived without. They make me feel home even though I am 1,500 miles away from it.

Even though the decision was hard, I have never once regretted it. It has shaped me into who I am today and who I will be tomorrow. Moving away made me appreciate the time I spend with my brother so much more than I ever did before. We are growing up, and discovering who we are on our own. Although we may not be doing life together anymore, I cannot wait to see where it takes us.