5 Emotional Things I Learned Before Going Off To College

1. You’ll regret all the plans you never made happen.

As my final days in the town I have lived in my whole life, I completely regret all the plans that I never made happen over the summer. As I get ready to say goodbye to all my friends, I want to kick myself in the face for not making the effort to enjoy their familiar comfort while I still had the chance because saying goodbye to them hurts. And it hurts like a bitch. See #4.

2. You realize you have so many people in your corner.

This has shocked me wholeheartedly and in the best of ways. I never before realized how many people I really had rooting for me. It is astounding how many people want to see you succeed in the world and on the journey you are about to embark on. It is such a warm, electric feeling to realize how loved you are and how far and wide your support system stretches.

3. High school sucked, but not as much as you think it did.

Don’t get me wrong, I was relieved not to have to go back to high school last Thursday. In fact, I subconsciously spited all those poor children by sleeping in until nine and staying in my pajamas all day. However, somewhere not as deep as I wish, I do miss that structure and familiarity that came with high school. The dreaded first day chaos, the outfit, the hair, the class schedule…the works! I miss lunch the most with my friends. And our table. Whoever named that table as theirs this year has some heavy shoes to fill. I wish them the best of luck.

4. Saying goodbye to your friends is just as bad as you thought.

Saying goodbye is never an easy thing to do, but it is always seemed bearable on some level. However, saying goodbye to a group of friends who have been your support system, shoulder to cry on, and simultaneously your backbone for the past four years is something that is so touching and delicate. The last outing for the time being ends up feeling just as any other gathering which makes the whole coping process a lot more complicated. And has you coming home and crying in the hallway when it finally hits you. These are the people you essentially grew up with, cried with, laughed with, fought with, and made some of your best, most cherished memories with. Saying goodbye to the family you consciously made is one of the hardest things you’ll do.

5. You’re becoming an adult without even realizing it.

It’s true what they say about growing up. You don’t recognize when it is happening, you just wake up one day and realize you’re an adult now. It is very sudden and a surreal experience. It’s mind-blowing how much growth you can really go through in just one summer. You come to terms with the next phase of your life. You learn to be excited and nervous about it. And you start to embrace it all the same.