When it comes to my cell phone, I am just as guilty, if not more guilty, than anyone. I am clearly addicted to my phone. Everywhere I go, whether it is to class or to the bathroom right across the hall, it is always in hand as my companion for the trip. At least, this is how I used to be.

Yes, I am still very much addicted to my cell phone. And, yes, I would go crazy if I were to lose or break my phone. That being said, why should this have such a toll on my emotions?

And then I realized something - my phone, rectangle with wifi, is my security blanket. I use it when I don't want to make eye contact with someone in the commons or when I feel lonely in the hub. My phone is what I use to get away from the world when I don't want to face it. And then I realized how much there was when I looked up from my screen.

At first, it started on my walks to class. Instead of face-timing someone or calling someone for the walk, I decided to put my phone in my pocket and just look around the campus. I tried to look at everyone who passed me and only was able to make eye contact with some, as most of their faces were staring at a screen. This resulted in many awkward encounters as I would smile at someone I knew and they would look right past me as they were too occupied with their phones.

Then I started to put my phone away during meals. I didn't want the distraction of looking at other people's lives instead of focusing on the ones who were sitting at the table with me. Yes, I take my phone out to take the occasional basic-girl Snapchat food story picture or show my friends a funny meme now and then. But other than that, I make it a point to stay clear of my screen when it comes time to eat with my friends.

Finally, I stopped using my phone in class. Okay, well I try to stop using my phone in class (really, it just depends on how bored I am I must admit.) But I have become much more conscious of it. Not only am I not focusing on what is being presented to me, but I also am showing complete disrespect to the teacher. They come in every day, even when they don't feel like it either, to give knowledge to their students. By being on my phone, I am telling my teachers and myself that I do not care for what they are saying or teaching me.

I am not trying to act like I do not go on my phone. My parents still yell at me to put my phone down or to pay attention. I am not even close to being phone-less in life, but I am making an effort. All it takes is becoming conscious of what phones serve a purpose for. They are not supposed to be a distraction from reality. Phones are meant to communicate, whether through text or Snapchat or Instagram. But at this point, it serves a purpose of giving people another world to focus on. Don't let it do that to you - focus on the world you have in front of you.