It is the moment that you've dreamed about, wished would come sooner and prepared for months for. Today is the big day and you can't believe it is here. Whether you are nervous or excited, beaming with happiness or feeling a little apprehensive, don't fight back the tears or smiles. Let it all out. Let your family know how much you will miss them or share your concerns with your parents. They want to know how you are feeling. Give your pets a little extra lovin'. Give your siblings that long hug goodbye. And, make sure you have a few tissues with you. You'll need them.
Don't get me wrong, college is amazing. But, the transition between living with your family and going off on your own can flood you with all different kinds of emotions. Don't be afraid to feel them all. There can always be the fear of the unknown and the what-ifs, but the excitement of what is to come is much more powerful.
Relax during the car ride there packed in the back seat of your parents car with all the things you will need to survive this next year on your own. Talk to your parents instead of sleeping the whole time or riding with your headphones in, they are going to miss moments like this. When you arrive, be that freshman who wears their ID around their neck while moving in. It's much easier and will keep you from losing it in the chaos. Let your dad tell you what to unload out of the car first. There is a method to his madness. Let your mom introduce you to people who live across the hall from you when you get up to your room. She will have peace of mind at least knowing you know someone there. Let your parents help you unpack, make up your bed and hang up your clothes. They are beyond emotional in this moment and keeping them busy will help them rein in their nerves. Let your mom stock you up on groceries. She doesn't want her baby to go hungry. Listen to your dad when he tells you to focus on your studies, but remember to have a little fun too. You only go to college once, so live it up.
And when it is time to say your final goodbyes, hug your parents tight and extra long. Let your mom cry on your shoulders because I promise a few tears will be shed by her and maybe even you too, but that is okay. Promise you will speak to them frequently and follow through on that promise. Its not hard to shoot them a text every once in a while just to let them know you are alive and well. Promise to FaceTime them so they can see your face on occasion. They will appreciate it. Now, give them that extra hug because it will be awhile until you can again. Stand there and see them off, wave goodbye to them and watch them drive away. They will look back in their rearview mirror until you are too far back in the distance to see anymore. When you make it back to your room, send them a message telling them how much you appreciate what they do for you and that you will miss them. It will help their heart to stop hurting so much. But, remember, they are ecstatic for you and your future. It is just time for their baby bird to leave the nest and fly on their own.
You may have tough moments where you miss home and your family or you may not. But, you will make it through. The distance will grow easier and you will make life-long friends that become your family. Your college will become your home away from home, and that is something to look forward to.
You can do this.
