Dear family,
I miss you guys. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss grandma’s home-cooked dinners or coming to mom for relationship advice. Although I’m surviving on my own, every day I find myself thinking, “Wow, this situation would be a lot better if I had them here!” You may think that I don’t miss you guys because I haven’t called, but I promise you that isn’t true. Although I know I should call more, it’s pretty hard sometimes to find even ten minutes to squeeze in a phone call. I still love you all, and I don’t think I tell you enough.
I’m doing fine. My classes are going well – although sometimes a paper will have me on the edge of a nervous breakdown and sometimes I skip my 8 a.m. Oops. Although it is hard to make schoolwork a priority, I’m really working on that and each day I become a better student. I think you’d be proud of some of the test scores I’ve received. My academic progress has been amazing. I’ve never been such a good student in my entire life. I think you’d be shocked to know how many hours a day I spend in the library.
So many things have happened to me since starting college, many that you are unaware of. I think it’s best for both of us that you don’t learn these things, at least not for now. I think one day these stories will come up at holiday dinners or trips back home, but until then, they’re not quite worth knowing. Just know that I haven’t made terrible decisions – after all, I am still alive. Although I probably shouldn’t have gone to some places I did or hung around with certain people. I’m young and dumb and I’m going to make those mistakes. Trust me – I’m doing a lot better in the reckless decision category than many of my peers.
When you tell me that I’ve changed, I’m not surprised. I was thrown head-first into a completely new world. I quickly adjusted and found myself acting differently, talking differently, dressing differently and just overall being a different person. I love the girl I am now. She has so much more confidence and is able to handle situations I never thought I’d be able to handle before. I think the girl I am today is beautiful in every way, and this is the first time I’ve honestly ever thought that. While you guys may be expecting me to come back and act like the girl I was for 18 years at home, you need to know that girl is gone. The girl I am now is someone that I am proud to be.
When I came to college, I was completely alone for the first time in my life. I knew no one. There were many nights I’d spend curled up in my bed wondering if this was the right decision. Making friends took awhile, classes were demanding and I wasn’t happy. However, coming to college ended up being one of the greatest decisions I’ve made. I went to the right school, I have the right roommate, I’ve chosen the right major and I’m finally happy. It may have taken an entire year, but I’m finally content with the life I’m living. I hope that’s enough to make you guys happy. I know you had your doubts about me moving here, but I think I’ve shown you all that I can do this.
There isn’t a day that goes by that you’re not on my mind. I look forward to time home, even if it is limited. I’ll no longer take our time together for granted because I’ve finally realized how much you give me. I’m such a lucky girl to have such a supportive family. I know I can turn to you all in any situation and that is not something that everyone has. I miss you guys, and I promise I’ll call soon.
Love,
Your favorite college student
