Bittersweet Conclusions

The first semester of college is almost bipolar. It can be the greatest time of your life, or it can bury you. Is it weird to say that it was both for me? In the most amazing way of course.

Moving many states away from home was incredibly scary, I must admit, and I was so nervous to be on my own. But, it was almost instantaneously that I realized that I had learned enough and had grown enough to be able to do it, on my own.

Sure, with a tough start, and a few bumps in the road, dealing with whatever personal issues, and whatever questions in my identity, it was easy to fall back and think that I need or rely upon the support system you had back home. The natural instinct when things aren’t going well is what you’re accustomed to, but it’s important to avoid that reliance and make a new home out of your new situation, so that you can find some comfort in the independence.

All of a sudden, my independence and my situation at UT Austin feels like home. Yes, I sometimes yearn for the comfort of my house back home, but undoubtedly, I no longer feel scared or unsafe amidst my struggles here. And now, having to go home for about a month, away from the new friends I’ve made, the home I’ve made, is it crazy to say I’m going to miss that home?

The memories tied to my first semester sure had their highs and lows. Somehow, though, I can only remember how special and romantic it truly was. I’ve never felt more like myself, because of the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the strides I’ve taken individually, and it’s tough to say goodbye to that section of my life without feeling some sort of nostalgia.

It’s so weird, sitting in my comfortable house where I grew up, saying how much I miss college, but that’s the beauty of it. I’m just proud to say I have a home away from home, not just in location, but in the people I’ve met and the memories I’ve made.