As a freshman in college, I've had to learn how to adjust to a lot of new things. New environment, new people, new food… you name it. One thing that's been especially hard, though, is getting used to not seeing some of my favorite people. Luckily, these days everyone is just a text or call away, but it's not the same as in-person contact, you know? I do actually have a few friends who came along to Ohio U as well, so I've been gifted with that. It's scary being somewhere unfamiliar with no one you know, but we're all in this together. This isn't high school, though, and wanting to branch out is normal, so when everyone does their own thing, it makes you miss the "good ol' days."

I've actually been home and to other colleges to visit already -- thanks, COVID, for sending me home! A lot of my friends stayed in-state for college, so visiting while having a car isn't as hard as it's made out to be. I'm kind of a control freak, so having my car at college was a necessity. This allows me to roll through Columbus on my way home to Cincinnati and visit a few friends if I feel. Even though I've been able to see some of them, it hasn't changed how much I miss them while I'm at my new home on campus.

My advice to keep connections with the ones you won't see as much for the upcoming months is to just keep them in your thoughts. Seems easy, but it's a little harder than it sounds. Instead of just thinking of someone, shoot them a text and let them know you're thinking of them. If you see something that reminds you of them, let them know. It's easy to get caught up in the busy college life and forget how to respond to a text (trust me, I would know.) A simple text or two during the week will keep your connections while you're away. If you're like me, you suck at responding, but you still miss people dearly. That's why I advise you to just reach out a time or two or take advantage of group chats! I'll say the most random things to keep in touch with my friends and they'll usually reciprocate. Honestly, just checking in or updating them on how I'm doing is a simple way, too. My friends aren't always the best at responding either, but it's the thought that counts. It might seem really basic, but people often forget when they're caught up in their own world.

Just like the end of relationships, it's hard going from seeing someone every day to once every few months. It's important to note that feeling sad is natural and they probably miss you as much as you do them. I keep on telling myself it'll only be a matter of time before I see them again and remind myself how fast time goes.

It'll be here before we know it!