Moving On and Growing Up

Growing up is hard. I can’t tell you it’s easy to see your world changing in front of you and having no idea what to do or how to get used to it. It’s really hard.

That said, it’s necessary. It may be difficult, but it’s amazing to watch yourself and others around you transform into mature young adults. It’s fantastic having the anticipation of what’s going to happen next.

I move into college in less than two weeks, and it’s absolutely crazy to me that I’m already there. I remember being ten years old, not knowing what the hell I wanted to do with my life, but have a million ideas running through my head. Even at that young age, I was planning. I was excited. I couldn’t wait to grow up and become a “real person” as my young mind put it.

Part of growing up is paying bills for the first time (I started paying my bills at 15 years old and let me tell you, I learned a lot from that). It’s learning how to drive, getting into your first accident because, let’s be honest, everybody gets into one at an early age. Mine was ten days after I got my license.

Another part, however, is saying goodbye. Goodbye to your parents as you move into college. Goodbye to your best friends as they move all over the country.

My best friend of thirteen years, Samantha, moved 373 miles away from me yesterday. Another one of my best friends, Ali, moved 875 miles away about a month ago. My best friend of five years, and one of the most important people in my life, Jack, is leaving on December 12 to go into the Marine Corps. I still don’t know how far away he’s going to be.

As excited as I am for my friends to be moving on and growing as people and doing what they love, I can’t lie to you and say that I am not terrified. I am. I’m so scared of not having the people I love and care about less than ten minutes away from me, of not being able to show up at their house when I’m upset or bored.

No matter how afraid of growing up I am, I’m also equally excited. I can’t wait to move into my dorm and have that first experience of living on my own. I’m excited to take classes that I’m actually interested in and I’m excited to finally make something of myself. In 13 days, I’m taking the first steps into the rest of my life. That’s absolutely amazing, isn’t it?

All I can say, is that while I have these wild emotions running through my head all the time, it’s a fantastic feeling to know you’re going places.

In the wise words of Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the places you’ll go,” and you know what? I’m going places. So are you. And I can’t wait to see where we all end up.

Until next time,

Katie