Wait a second, hold the phone - something is not right. Wasn't it just yesterday when we were cuddled up in our PJ's singing every single lyric from High School Musical? Or glaring at each other in complete and utter envy of the other's cool, hip Polly Pocket accessory? Or putting together the best dance routine ever to Avril Lavigne's "Sk8ter Boy?" Now, as I watch you step foot into a loaded car that is packed with bedding, clothes, pictures, and all of the other dorm necessities, as you drive straight off into the next chapter of your life, I realize that it was not just yesterday; times are changing, and college is becoming a real thing now. Incoming freshmen - this one goes out to you.
It sure is a surreal feeling seeing Instagram posts of your childhood friend's new dorm rooms. You thought the time would never come, but it's here! It seemed like back when you were in elementary school, college students were ancient and were born when dinosaurs roamed the Earth; but now, you're one of them. It's truly heart breaking to think that you and your friends are parting ways. Especially with that little dreaded thought in the back of your mind, telling you that your friends are going to meet a bunch of other people and come back saying, "Deanna who?"
The most important thing to remember is that no matter how far away you and your friends are going, you still live at home. Most people, including myself, are under the impression that college means you pack your bags and are never to be heard of again in your hometown. However, unless your sibling is already looking through magazines for ideas on what to turn your room into (like mine is), your room at home is still your room, your parents are still your parents, and your friends are still your friends.
I'm sure a lot of people who are leaving for school later than the others (like me) are stuck at a loss of what to do with all of your friends being gone. This leaves you lonely with nothing to do but lay on the couch in tears while watching reruns of Parks and Recreation and eating spoonfuls of edible cookie dough.
It's hard to watch your friends leave you one by one and head off to be miles away. However, I just keep telling myself that it's a part of life and moving on. You may not be seeing them everyday anymore, but true friends will make the best effort they can to stay in touch in every way possible. It may be hard to see it now, but soon enough you and your friends will be home for summer break and can get back to quoting High School Musical, remaining jealous over cool Polly Pocket accessories, creating the best dance routine to "Sk8ter Boy," and most importantly, picking up right where you left off.
