Dear college,

In high school I worked hard, studied, and got As. I was involved in sports, extracurriculars, and clubs mainly to get your attention. But was it worth it?

My first year of being at school was not what I thought it would be. I thought you were my perfect fit, college. But it turns out that you're not for everyone.

Being far away from home sounded nice when I was a senior in high school. I was so excited to meet new people and learn new things. College, I thought you’d be filled with parties, people, clubs and events. As the school year slowly took off, I realized a few of those things were missing. My expectations did not match my reality, and I was bummed.

As the year went on and as the seasons changed, I fell in and out of love with you, college. I missed my family, my friends, and most of all, I missed home-cooked meals. But I also loved where you were. Being in the Pacific Northwest was amazing. I loved the trees and the ocean. I loved the friends I had made and the classes I was taking. But something was missing.

College, you gave me new experiences, some of which I wasn’t anticipating before I left home. I was exposed to being on my own. I was doing my own laundry, taking the bus around town, buying my own groceries -- and in a way, I liked it. But there is something about being alone in a state where you have no family. You’re completely alone.

I think I was disappointed with you because you weren’t giving me the same experiences everyone else was getting. I wasn’t at big parties or at school football games. I had no school spirit, and I think that’s a sign that we just weren’t the right fit.

Even though I didn’t like a lot of things about you, I don’t regret the months I spent with you. I learned more than I ever have in all my years of school. One year of college taught me more than four years of high school had. I loved my professors, and I loved being able to take classes I was actually interested in. I’m also glad I got to experience living in a dorm because you don’t always get the opportunity to share a room with a stranger, or share a bathroom with 20 other girls.

Overall, I’m glad I got to spend this year with you, college. I’m sad that we didn’t get along as well as I had hoped, but I know that everything happens for a reason and I’m going to find my way. Maybe in the future I’ll find a different college who will give me the experiences I am after.

Sincerely,