As I write this, the majority of my friends are probably engaged in animated discussions regarding Frank Ocean's "Blond" with their new college roommates. And if they're not (assuming they do not live under a rock), they are exploring the great wilderness in one of the many pre-orientation programs that so many institutions offer.
Currently I'm still stuck in the awkward in-between phase between high school and college-- when movie theater employees ask for proof that I'm a student, I fumble around for my nonexistent student ID. As an incoming freshman at a college that follows the quarter system, I get the benefit of embarking on my college journey almost a month later than my high school peers. As a result, I've had the opportunity to brag to my friends about starting classes "super late" while most of them were scrambling to buy dorm necessities. But now here I am, sitting alone on my bed listening to Ocean's "White Ferrari" counting down the days until when I can join my friends in the league of college students.
While it still doesn't strike me that in a few weeks I will leave behind the fast-paced east coast for a completely different atmosphere, I have started to notice the subtle changes that bring about the inevitable truth-- I'm growing up.
Although still 17, I like to remind people around me that in less than two weeks, I will turn 18 years old. As the deadline approaches, I find myself having more and more conversations with my parents about my growing responsibilities.
Recently, I had to visit my doctor to receive a few mandatory vaccines. As my mother filled out the typical health forms required at every doctor visit, a nurse narrowed her eyes towards me and said, "You should be filling those out," My eyes initially widened in disbelief as I was taken aback by her attacking tone. But then I realized, she was right. In less than a month, I won't have my mother to fill out my forms and handle my medical insurance.
Another noticeable difference was something literally in my hands-- despite not even entering campus as a current student, an influx of college-specific emails have appeared in my inbox. In the past, all registration and insurance-related emails were immediately sent to my parents so I could confidently overlook such emails. However, I was rather surprised to hear from my parents that I was the only one currently receiving these emails. It just made me realize that I literally have to take care of myself now. Heck, my institution doesn't rely on my parents to deal with my issues, it's all on me now.
As move-in day continues to creep upon me, I've had to go shopping for various items-- dorm essentials, clothes, etc. I notice myself unconsciously sitting in the front passenger seat so that I am better able to engage in conversation with my mom. Normally, this would seem like a pretty mundane act. However, I have avoided sitting in the front unless I am driving for two years due to a t-bone accident that occurred on my side of the car. Getting over little fears make me feel more complete. Unconsciously I feel the need to push back against these setbacks in order to gain maturity and come of age.
The college reality hits me more and more as I watch my friends' Snapchat stories featuring their respective orientation weeks. With less than three weeks before I move in, I can't help but unconsciously shed my 17 year old high school shell and emerge as a slightly more mature college-going 18 year old.
