As of tomorrow, I will be back at school, living in an on campus apartment with three other girls. I will pack up my car to the brim, and drive five hours from my hometown to the place that I have learned to call my second home. I will have said goodbye to my family, friends, and my job. I will leave the life I have been creating for another life awaiting me. I will ditch my flip flops, and my waitress uniform, for sweatpants and a hoodie, and for parties galore. While reflecting on my last night in town and cuddling up with my dog one last time, I have to reflect on what will be ahead of me.
Going away for college has taught me so much. It has taught me a new found sense of independence and self-reliance. No one is there anymore to nag me to go to class, to do my homework, and to make sure I have gas in my car. I have to take care of myself because if I don't, then no one will. I am my own motivation, and in order to be that, I have to think of what lies ahead in my future after my collegiate career is over.
College has also taught me how naive I once was. Coming out of high school, I thought that the whole world was sunshine and rainbows, however, that is quite the contrary. Not every person you will ever meet will be nice and helpful. They will be arrogant, disrespectful, annoying, and sometimes, even aggressive. Again, I have to watch out for my own well-being. I have to remove myself from situations that may put me in with the wrong crowd or the wrong people.
Lastly, college gave me an identity that I had long been searching for all throughout high school. They say that the decisions and friends one makes defines their early years of adulthood. As an emerging adult, I pride myself on my image. Moving away to school has taught me to take pride in myself, my work, and my actions. It has taught me to always be alert, and to always, always, continue to learn.
Leaving everything behind may hurt a little bit, but what lies ahead is worth it all.
