Move-in day: A day that you’ve been counting down to for so long. You’ve had it written on every calendar, it’s been your biggest excitement for months on end and everyone on your street knows when your move-in day is.
Now that it’s almost here, though, you’re probably feeling a bit different. If you’re anything like me, you may be feeling nervous. Scared. Confused. Wondering if you made the right decision.
You’re down to your last week in your home city. Trust me when I say to cherish it — spend every day out with your friends, eat dinners at home with your parents, watch movies with them, play games, go to your favorite places and make special memories. You may not know when you’ll walk through your front door next, but it’ll be a seemingly inconsequential thing that you’ll soon come to miss.
When move in-day approaches and you drive or fly to your college dorm, your parents will probably be a bit more excited than you are. Your mom will want to set up your hamper, hang up your clothes and make your bed — let her. Even if she’s annoying you now or stressing you out, your time physically being with her is limited. Let her be happy in her last few hours with her child. Your dad will probably want to hang up all of your pictures so that they’re perfectly straight, hook up your computer and printer, and arrange your furniture so that you have more room — let him. Even if these are things you’d rather do later, just let your dad do them now. He’s just trying to make the most of his few moments left with his baby girl or his football-watching buddy.
When your parents leave, hug and kiss them like you never have before, regardless of who’s watching. Know that this is probably harder on them than it is on you. You’re days away from embarking on a brand new journey — the adventure of a lifetime. Them, though? They’re returning home to see your empty room, the few clothes you left behind and the bed that you slept in for so long. Give them a break and appreciate their tears.
Trust that your parents are proud of you. They want this opportunity for you just as much, if not more, than you do. They love you and will always support you every step of the way, no matter what.
When you find yourself alone on a strange campus that seems to extend forever, realize that this is the beginning of your venture. Take it all in — explore new places, meet new people, learn from your experiences and soak in as much knowledge as you can.
You’re in a place that seems novel and unfamiliar now, but if you give it enough time, it’ll soon be a place that you love. I don’t know how it happens, but it happened to me. You’ll soon have two places you call home: one that’s given to you and another that you chose. Learn to accept, cherish and pride in all that your college offers: the classes, the faculty, the environment, the city, the atmosphere and the feeling it offers of not wanting to be anywhere else; of knowing that you belong here.
Just as every year is, this one too will be filled with ups and downs, but I genuinely hope you have more smiles than frowns. College is a time in your life when you’re exposed to new people, differing perspectives, exciting challenges and unique experiences — learn from each of them and make the most of college. It’s a journey you can never get back.
While you’re having the time of your life, though, remember to call home every once in a while. Your parents will appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
Best of luck to all of you. Your time is here, so don’t wait any more. Get out there, test your wings and fly higher than you've ever dreamed possible. It's time to give this world a little whirl of your own — soar beyond your comfort zone, be happy and always remember, you're just a phone call away from home.
