Every college student has their usual story. They want to go to a certain college because it's far away, or because it's close to home. They want to go to a certain college because of its prestige, or because of its convenience and its costs. For me, I was lucky enough to get into a college that not only had a lot of value to its name but was far enough away from home for me to start anew. College was my perfect escape because I dreamed, all my life, of travelling far and alone; but as time goes by, you yourself change as a person. Little did I know that the thoughts I was so sure about as a sophomore in high school would not apply to the person I am as a freshman in college-- and it's that I would actually get homesick.
As an ambitious second-year high school student, I had my own future set for me and I planned on pursuing it no matter what. Neither friendships, relationships, nor family could stop me or even influence my decision on where I wanted to go to college -- and that decision, whatever it was, involved moving very, very far away. I did have a longing for more travel and a sense of adventure, but I know now that part of the reason I wanted this so bad was because I had recently moved schools and didn't think I'd have any close friends to miss. My family was also great, but I hoped for that feeling of independence, believing that if I moved far enough away, I wouldn't have to rely on them anymore. I even planned on studying over the summer and finding ways to stay in college over the breaks just so I wouldn't have to go back home as often. Many college students have had their own reasons on why they wanted to travel far for college, but this was mine.
The next two years after my sophomore year were unbelievable. I got involved in more organizations and clubs and made so many close friends that even after college, I still see all of us hanging out one day. The lonely, sophomore version of myself who was so set on education only didn't stop to realize that it's almost impossible to not make any connections along the way. As the time till the day of my college move-in went from months to weeks to days, my eyes started to open and I began to realize that there were people I'd actually miss when I was away.
It didn't stop with just friendships. I always loved my family, but I honestly believe that I did not truly appreciate what they've done for me and what they've given to me until I had to live without them. Even as a college freshman, I've already set myself up to be super independent; taking on a job for my allowance while handling my own schedule and schoolwork, my lifestyle right now is very similar to someone living by themselves in their own little apartment. But despite the fact that I could easily handle myself and that I'm living the dream that I've wished for since the early years of my high school life, I realized that it sucks when you don't have your usual support system around you.
The phrase, "You don't know what you have until it's gone," is very real, and I learned this after I cried saying goodbye to my brother, who I literally fight with every single week. I'm aware that my family and friends aren't really gone forever, but having to live without them in a new city and new environment was not the paradise that I initially thought it would be.
To future college students (and especially the high school seniors), college may seem like a dream but remember to appreciate what you have right now as high school students. It's a very different environment, and whether you're going far away or staying close to home, you won't be surrounded by the same people that you're used to when this time comes. Enjoy the times you have right now, and make sure to make the most out of your high school experiences.
