In three days, I will be leaving the place that has been my home for the past eight months and heading home for the summer. Undoubtedly, there are so many things that I'm excited about: not having any more classes and getting to see my puppies are two that I can name off the top of my head. Even though I am happy to go home and see my family, there are parts that I will miss. Clarion has a large piece of my heart, and this is just a short list of what I'm going to miss going home for my first summer out of college.
1. Freedom
Don't get me wrong, I love my parents and can't wait to see them, but there are certain things about being under their roof again that will take some getting used to. Here, if i want to leave my dorm late at night and go out with my friends, I can because there's nobody to tell me not to. Once I'm home, though, I'll have to abide by my curfew and be more conscious and spend time doing things with my family. Not being left to my own devices for most of the day is going to be hard to get over.
2. The views around campus
Clarion University, small as it might be, has some of the best views around. Specifically, the stairs leading up to my dorm, no matter the weather, if you pause for a few moments you can catch the most beautiful sunsets and stunning snow covered trees if you take the time to.
3. The Small Town Vibe
Im from a small town, or at least I thought before coming to Clarion. Now that I've been here for so long though, I'm realizing my town is not nearly this small, and yet I know I'm going to miss it. I can walk to Main Street from my dorm, and more importantly I can walk to all my classes. Even though it's not true, it really feels like everyone knows each other and gives you a sense of belonging that my hometown lacks.
4. Clarion Itself
This small college town has become one of my favorite places to be, with so many memories and cool places to hang out. Bobs Subs will always be better than subway in my eyes, and Cooks Forest is such a great place to adventure. I love living here, Clarion has become my second home in such a short amount of time and I'm so happy I decided to take a chance on this university.
5. My sisters
I know I say it a lot, but my sorority sisters really are some of my closest friends. I would do anything for them and I know it goes both ways. They've already helped me grow so much and I cant wait to see what we all do together. I already know I'm going to be texting them, especially my fam all the time, just so I can still be connected to them. The thought of not seeing them everyday physically hurts, but I know it's not goodbye, it's see you later.
Clarion might be just a university to some people, but to me, it's where I found my second home. It's the place I found the women I want to stay friends with forever, the place where I learned who I am and, most importantly, who I want to be. Clarion has given me the strength to believe in myself, and love my life. So, for me at least, these three months will be the best, but I know at the end of them I'll be happy to come back home.
