I grew up in a somewhat small town. Everyone seemed to know everyone. I had a large graduating class, but we had one middle school and one high school so I spent the last seven years surrounded by the same people.

Some people say that high school is the best four years of your life. My story is a little different than that. I didn’t always have the best luck. Friendships were lost and bridges were burnt throughout my four years. I had some close friends, but never one true, best friend.

I always thought that Batavia would be my home. I spent most of my time in high school working hard and studying because I wanted to go far away to a good school -- but I always thought that I would come back over breaks and whenever I could. My sophomore year I learned that my family would be moving across the country once I graduated, and I knew that that would be really good for me. I was sad that I wouldn’t have Batavia to come home to, but I knew I had people that would let me stay with them and friends who would always be there for me to come “home” to.

I never thought that I would leave for good. I held on to the memories I made senior year of reeking havoc around town with some of my friends. Batavia was a great place full of good times and awesome people, and I wanted nothing more than to go back as much as I could. Until I did.

A lot happens in a year. I thought that when I went back that I would start where I left off. I was holding onto the memories from when I left and I thought it would be the exact same. But people grow apart, and it is only natural. Your best friend might not be your best friend anymore and that’s okay. A place where you felt so content and comfortable might feel completely foreign and awkward to you and that’s OK.

I needed to go back, though, in order to realize that I didn’t need to go back anymore. And that’s why I left. I left because I had a new life, a new home. I spent a year holding on to what I used to have and it blinded me from realizing what wondrous opportunities were standing right in front of me: A new school, a new city, and so many new, wonderful people. And let’s not forget my family.

I’ll always remember Batavia, but I left because I needed to forget it. It’s OK to move on. It’s OK to let go of memories, or else you will be dragged by what you think you have. It’s OK to leave, because there are so many new, better things waiting for you.