The day comes and the boxes are all packed. You load up into the car and help your boyfriend/girlfriend begin to unload the boxes that contain everything for their new home at college. Feelings like these can be quite overwhelming. Having a significant other leave for college can be a bittersweet moment.

At first, it can be so exciting! Unpacking into the dorm and organizing everything just right, then standing back to admire all of your hard work, which you hope will still be neat as a pin in the next 48 hours. The feeling of pride continues as you stroll around campus, pointing out where he/she may have future classes, beautiful spots around the school, and posing for cute pictures. As the day begins to slow down, a new feeling settles in, one that is unfamiliar with the person who makes you so happy.

That feeling is the understanding that the person you were used to seeing so often is now farther away than a five-minute drive. The realization settles that now, spontaneous plans are no longer an option, and time spent together will now be carefully planned. But amongst all of these feelings, there is an underlying joy. The immense pride felt for the one you love can conquer any distance.

Seeing someone you care for so much succeed is worth any drive or staying up a little later to work with their busy schedule. Another feeling to come to terms with is that now, you will have more time than ever to focus on you. As wonderful and amazing as being with the one you love is, you can now take time to develop yourself into an even better individual.

By doing this, you are able to grow as a person while they do, too. As crazy, emotional, or overwhelming the transition may be, there is nothing better in life than when you are given the opportunity to grow. So in the moments where there are moments that feel empty, know that you are one day closer to seeing the one you love, and you have improved upon yourself for another day.