Going away to college can be a scary part of anyone's life, but especially for those who are moving many miles away from their family and friends. For me, coming to Shippensburg this spring was both exciting and crazy because I would be finally away, getting the best education towards becoming a teacher, but it would also mean being away from those who have been there for me every step of the way. If anything, the process of going away to college has helped me find out who my true support system is and how much they truly care about me.

An example of this is my parents, who have shown me so much love and support through this difficult process. From trying to pick classes and crying on video call about being homesick, they have been there for me every step of the way. I always know they are a phone call away and that if I needed them for an emergency, they would be here in a heartbeat to help me.

Another important factor of my support system would be my crazy group of friends. I have had many people ask me why I left my home in New Jersey and left all my true friends there. The answer is simple; I wasn't friends with them until after I had applied to Shippensburg and I knew that they would still be my friends even if I was away at college or still home with them. Knowing that I can text them as well about my problems and still have our late night video calls makes me know that it will be okay while I am here. Making plans for spring break has been nothing but fun because we have so many ideas of things to do. When I am home for spring break, I want to be surrounded by love and support.

But not just my friends at home are part of my support system, but also my new friends here at Shippensburg has helped me with adjusting and being homesick. Without having them to help, I am sure I would be more of a hermit, sitting in my room all the time and not socializing outside of my room. It is amazing knowing that I can go to any meal with someone and being around others who have gone through the same thing I am going through now. They have been so nice and supportive to me and I am happy to have them as my friends.

Some may think this is crazy but my dog is also an important member of my support system because she is my cuddle buddy. When I am with her, I am happy and seeing her when I come home for spring break will be an amazing thing because she is going to be so excited to see me walk through those doors. I can already picture her little nub going and being so excited.

Having this support system has helped make this experience better because I know they are cheering for me at home and are excited to see me when I get home. Having a support system when away at college is super important because, without it, you would begin to miss the comfort of your home and wish you were there. You wouldn't know quite why you went away to college and what you are even doing here. When I question why I am away at college, I will call either family members or friends and they tell me why I am here. They show me that I am here for my education and for my degree. Becoming a teacher is something I have wanted to do since working in a Before and After Care Program back in New Jersey. Being around children helped show me even more so that I wanted to be a part of them growing and showing them that there is so much to learn in the world.