By now, most schools of all levels have started and are a couple weeks in. I know I’m just a new college student but I think after the first couple weeks you can tell what things worked or not starting of a new chapter in one’s life.

My move-in experience was actually pretty flawless. School provided sufficient information for my family and I to arrange my dorm while having plenty of time to complete important school forms and whatnots, pick-up last minute goodies and properly spend my “last moments” with my family.

Once family left, I could truly feel college culture seep into my veins. It’s full of the joy of opportunity and newness. Just the first night alone, I felt bonded with my floor as we corralled our efforts to try and win a scavenger hunt. At one point, we FaceTimed my best guy pal Grant to cross of “Take a Picture with a guy named Grant” of our list.

Doors were kept open to make new friends. Everyone was friendly and seemed absolutely real. You could truly see everyone’s true sides. Everyone just being themselves ready to find people who understand them.

It was a whirlwind of experiences meeting new people and digesting all the new information of rules and conduct yet having a blast with activities from brick painting, late night cooking, square dancing and lip syncing.

Honestly, the first couple days were bliss for me until “academic eve”.

Here’s literally not to do your first weeks of college or ever: Get Sick.

I was struck with immense stomach pain the day before my first day of college. It’s such a pain that caused me to constantly feel nauseas. This led me to the emergency room where I had gone through various test and I was fortunate enough to have been discharged that night and was prescribed medication to help my pain.

I woke the next morning determined to go to school. I didn’t want to miss my first day after all! I made it to my 8 am and only lasted 15 minutes before I had to stay out of class to control myself. When class ended, I returned to my dorm in agony and again the cycle from the day before was repeated. This time my parents drove all the way from Minnesota that day and saw me discharged and I stayed at the hotel with them from the night.

Unfortunately, this story doesn’t get any better. I was finally admitted to the hospital the next day and went through every possible test to discover the root of my condition. All my test showed no indication of the cause. On records I appeared healthy but in person it was apparent I was sick. They had nothing else to do but treat the current symptoms. The only positivity coming was so many people cared.

A week from my college move-in I drove back home to Minnesota.

At home, my first couple days were at a local hospital. Honestly, I’ve seen more of the inside of the hospital than my actual school.

And again, doctors have yet to figure out what’s wrong with me.

This has caused me and my family to make one of my hardest decisions in my life: due to my unknown illness, I’ve stalled my start of college to next semester.

It’s difficult to see everyone continue forward as I stay stagnant but I know it’s best under the circumstances. It’s crazy to think the amount of changes in such a small time. Although I’m disappointed, my health is my priority. It's hard to blame the uncontrollable; we just have to work with it.

Currently, I’m regaining my health everyday. We plan to use these next month to truly find “a cure” and I personally plan to continue my education in some form to keep myself busy. I also know I'm gonna keep in contact with my college people to stay connected.

I just know I’d rather take this time for recuperation instead of rushing back to school which could cost more hospital visits. I’m tired of having to repeat my name and date of birth and having needles poked into me. I do admire all the work at the hospitals for dealing with me and so many others. The medical field is absolutely amazing so kudos to those in it or interested in it.

So don’t get sick and if you do, focus on getting better. You’re only gonna do your best when you’re body is at it’s best. Regardless what happens, I know that I have so many people who love and supported me from family to friends, old and very new. You guys are the best.