To the small town girl now in college,

Everything's so different in college, there’s no dirt roads and definitely no corn fields right outside your window. People told you it was going to be a whole new experience, and man were they right. The variety of personalities are so wide, you never know what to expect. Class sizes are bigger than at your little high school; you can meet new people every day just in that one class. Crazy right?!

Sometimes you miss your little town a lot though. It sucks that you don’t get to see your family and friends everyday like before. Things really do change, and it's out of your control. In your little town you will always be that wild-eyed 16-year-old girl, but in college, you’re still figuring out who you are. Though you don’t have to make anyone but yourself happy now, which is great. Trust me when I say that you are blossoming into such an amazing human being, everyone around you can already see that. You’re finding out who you are as a person little by little.

The saying “you can never go home again” is true. You notice how different home has become every time you go back. You have figured out that it will never be the same, you grew and changed as a person. This is okay, you have different views on the world now. Some that you know your little town would never agree with. And no one is asking you to stay in such a confined little world. As you change, you will notice that “outgrowing” is a real thing. It’s the sad truth, high school friends become distant acquaintances. The town that taught you everything you know has become quite small compared to the world you now know. Only a few people will stay important to keep in contact with. Friends come and go, this is a part of life.

You found the world, and it’s bigger than you thought it was going to be. Sometimes you cry yourself to sleep wishing you were still in the comfort of that little town. Thinking back to a just a couple months ago, you were so sure you were ready to leave. It really turned out to be much harder than you thought it would be. Just remember that the love and support of your new friends will help. Don’t forget to thank them every once in awhile, they need you just as bad as you need them. Also, do not forget to thank your parents for their support through the hard transition you went through. They really do want what is best for you, even if they don’t come out and say it.

Remember that your friends from back home are going through the same hardships. Keeping in contact with close friends will help with the transition from a small town to a college. And as much as you want to take that trip back home for the weekend, try not to. It creates baggage on your shoulders that does not need to be there. College can be stressful, but don't let it bring you down. The hard part is over with, now it is time for you to shine through and become the person you were meant to become.

Take a deep breath. You made it. From that little town you thought you were never going to leave, to two hours away at a University. You are where you belong in life, and you’re thriving. You should be proud of how far you have come in such little time, but in this little time you have already surpassed your old self. This is sad, but also a great accomplishment. You proved you are strong enough to take on the world. Be proud of where you came from, but also look forward to where you are going.