Nearly a year and a half ago, I got accepted to Seattle University -- my dream school -- to study cell and molecular biology. A month after that, I confirmed my attendance for the upcoming school year and couldn’t wait to start a new chapter in my life. I have now completed my first year of college, and will begin my next in a few weeks.
In the past year, I have definitely matured and grown more as a person than in my four years of high school. I learned from my mistakes and how to manage my time, and how to be an adult; actually, I’m still learning that part. I added a chemistry minor because I love the subject so much and am considering doing STEM education outreach as a side thing. I also have such an amazing network of professors, advisors, friends and family who are there for me and support my goals of getting a Ph.D. and becoming a research scientist.
My family moved down to South Carolina last summer and they originally wanted me to move down with them and go to school there. I didn’t want to because it meant giving up my dreams. Soon, my parents accepted my decision of staying behind and were happy that I wanted to follow my dreams. It pays off to be a stubborn person, sometimes. I am thankful that I decided to stay behind and attend Seattle U.
I must admit that I miss my family so much and I get homesick at times. We missed celebrating birthdays together, family outings, milestones and a lot more. Sometimes, talking on the phone or on Skype isn't enough to defeat the homesickness. I wish that I took more photos with them to put up on my wall. I wish that I got to stay up late with my mom talking about things more. I wish that I helped my little sister learn how to read before she starts kindergarten this year, since I did that for my little brother. I couldn't spend Thanksgiving with them. I only had a little bit of time with them for Christmas and by the time I see them again, eight months will have passed. With me working to help pay for my education, I could not go home for spring break or spend all of my summer there.
If you are an incoming freshman or returning student, cherish the time you have at home. Remember to hug your mom a little tighter in these last few months before you leave the nest. Spend time with your siblings, even though they may annoy you. Take your dogs on walks and snuggle with them more because you won’t be able to talk with them over Skype or the phone like you can with humans. Stay out late with your friends and make lots of memories to look back on before you all take different paths. Enjoy the luxury of having two-ply toilet paper and not having to wear flip flops in the shower before you move into your college dorm room. Devour every last bit of any home cooked food before you will soon be living off of school food or your own cooking.
Your parents on move-in day will talk to everyone, takes lots of photos, remind you to call them and you may feel embarrassed by it. But you should let them do that. You're not the only one starting a new chapter in your life. Your parents will not have you around the house all the time anymore. Their little boy or girl has started to grow up and they have left the nest. Let them cherish the time that they have left with you before you officially start college or go back for another year.
Enjoy your time in college. The college experience is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. But, please, don't forget about your family, pets and friends back home. Call them when you have the chance. Hell, surprise them by coming home for a weekend. It will make their day.
