As I moved into college on Wednesday, many parts of my life changed. I said goodbye to my friends I grew so comfortable around, I said bye to my family that I saw on a daily basis, I said goodbye to both my cats and my dog who I am so crazy about, I said bye to my city that I know like the back of my hand and I said goodbye to the boy that stole my heart.

Yet, with all those goodbyes I said many more hello's. I said hello to many new friends I know I'll be with all the time, I said hello to my roommates who are my new family to see on a daily basis, I said hello to a floor full of girls in the same position as me, I said hello to a new city full of opportunity and growth for me to love, and although I didn't get to say hello to that same boy that still has my heart, I said hello to a new chapter in our relationship for us to grow as people and together.

Moving into college was something I have always looked forward to. I counted down the years, then months, then weeks and days. I'm not sure if it's just because classes haven't started, or if the move was really that anti-climatic, but not much feels different. When I wake up in the mornings not in my old bed, it's different but not startling or upsetting. When I have to ride the elevator up to my room, it's exciting and fun. When I look over and see two other girls who will always be there for me, it hits me that this is only the beginning of being on my own, but it almost feels the same.

It feels as if my parents prepared me well enough to be on my own. I'm not scared, I'm not nervous, and I'm not upset to be on my own. I'm confident, I'm excited and I'm well set to do whatever it is that this first year of college throws my way. I have always been grateful for my parents, but seeing myself (who often freaks out when having to make their own appointments and barely knows how to fill a prescription) be able to tackle this with confidence really allows my heart to be filled with joy that my parents did a damn good job of raising me and preparing me for the real world. I was not ultra shielded from the world, and I wasn't thrown out with little to no life skills. They taught me and gave me all the tools and wisdom I need to grow into a poised and confident woman and for that college doesn't feel that different because I'm ready for it all.