When you're in high school, teachers and counselors work really hard to try and prepare you for the trials of college life.
Actually, let me rephrase that: when you're in high school, teachers and counselors work really hard to try and prepare you for the academic side of college. Swept under the rug are the things high school seniors don't really think about. I didn't think that I would have a hard time leaving my family, and I definitely didn't think I would have a hard time leaving Wichita, Kansas of all places. I thought it would be easy to pick up my life and leave everything I had ever known, and as I was preparing to leave home, it was easy. Packing my things, pictures, and clothes wasn't hard. Loading all of the boxes into my car wasn't hard, and leaving Wichita wasn't hard. As I was leaving, I remember thinking: "I am so ready for this. I've been ready to move on with my life for the past four years."
I didn't struggle with any of that, but my counselors didn't warn me about the hardships that would soon follow. They taught me how to send my transcripts, sign up for tours, apply for scholarships and FAFSA, but they didn't tell me how I was supposed to adjust to living a whole different life.
They didn't tell me how to cope with missing my whole family, my friends, and the people back home that held pieces of my heart. I didn't know how to come home from class without being greeted by my dog like I had been for the past ten years. I didn't know how to wake up and function each morning with the uneasiness in my stomach just from being three hours away from the only life I'd ever known. I was in a whole new environment with nobody I knew.
With that in mind, seniors: while you're picking your college and choosing a major that you'll inevitably change, don't forget to stop and take a breath. Feel every moment. Live every moment fully. It's okay to want to rush school, but don't rush the moments. Despite what you might be feeling now as you sit in your childhood bedroom, you will eventually miss everything that has come to annoy you.
I don't miss high school at all. I was ready to leave behind waking up at 6:30 in the morning, and I was ready to leave behind all of the restrictions that came with high school. I don't miss the cafeteria food (college cafe food isn't good either though, sorry), and I don't miss the drama that, without a doubt, followed each graduating class. I miss the people that touched my life; the people that I took for granted while I was at home. I miss little things about Wichita that I never thought I would miss.
Stop and look at the people who have impacted your life and your process of growing up. Really look at them. Thank them for guiding you, and tell them how much you appreciate them. Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, teacher, counselor, friend. Tell them all how much you love them because before you know it, you'll be standing in your newly set up dorm room without any of them.
Stop and look at the town that you went to high school in. The town where you drove around aimlessly with all your friends blaring music with the windows down. Don't take those things for granted. Take so many pictures despite what anyone else says. Don't waste any time while you still have the chance to be young and (mostly) worryless.
College is a great experience, and I am excited for my future; however, I can't tell you how many times I wish that I could rewind the clock and find myself laughing with tears in my eyes with the classmates I grew up with, or all the nights that I would hang out with my family as we jokingly picked on one another. Don't get me wrong, I can still do all of those things, and you will be able to as well. But believe me when I say that it's not exactly the same. It won't be long before you and your friends will be living whole different lives.
Look forward for your future, but do not forget to stop and look at the wonderful life you've built for yourself at home. Life is a beautiful thing, and I think sometimes we forget to relish in the moments that make us truly feel alive.
Seniors, take it all in. Every person, every laugh, every moment.
Oh, and shoutout to my gal pals from high school. I know you read my posts, and I miss you so much. I am so excited to see the big things you all do!
