Being from Chicago, making the decision to move across the country to go to school was an extremely difficult one, for a number of reasons. Still, one reason sticks out above the rest. After being in a committed relationship for the majority of high school, it felt like the only question I got from people about school was: "What are you and Paul going to do when you go away to school?" Every time I got asked this, I felt sick to my stomach because I really didn't have a good answer. I didn't know what we were going to do, how we were going to manage the distance. Yet, we've done it. We've gotten through September- April without ever questioning why we stayed together. Because of technology like FaceTime and Skype, we are able to talk face to face nearly every day. Even though things are physically different, nothing about our relationship or about our feelings for each other has changed.

I can't help but remember how petrified I was about trying to maintain our relationship. I honestly was doubtful that we were going to make it. While I was willing to try to make it work, I was terrified. The thought of not being together was something I couldn't bear to see come true. Motivated as I was, all you hear about long distance relationships is that they are hard and never work out.

But, I'm hoping to put an end to this conventional belief. They really can work out. If you are with the right person, there is no reason to think that you won't make it. While it is hard at times, distance shouldn't cause your feelings to change. The opportunity to be with other people shouldn't cause your feelings to change, nothing should alter the way that you feel about each other. Paul and I are living proof that long distance relationships can work out. So, to all you high schoolers that are currently trying to figure out what you and your boyfriend are going to do when you go off to school, take my story into account. As long as you are both willing put in the effort, your relationship will be just fine.