End of An Era Part I

Today I fly back home after my first semester as a college student.  About three and a half months ago, I was petrified to move forward into the next chapter of my life.  The thoughts of leaving home, leaving everything that was so familiar to me was absolutely frightening.  In retrospect, I realized that my fears were dismissed after diving head first into the best experience of my life thus far.

I was being pulled in two different directions.  Part of me wanted a change of pace from the same small town, the same faces, and the same routine, but another part of me didn't want to leave what I was bored with. It's so convenient to just be content, but that was not necessarily what was best for me.  It was time to move forward from my routine ways and realize there was a better place out there for me.  There were new people to meet, new opportunities to grasp, and a new story to write.

Everyone told me how lucky I was to be a freshman in college, beginning a new journey where I would truly learn the most about myself.  Everyone also told me how quickly the years would fly by, and after experiencing this first semester, I completely believe them.  Another part of all of this is that I don't think I expected things to be as fantastic as they turned out to be.  Things started out so perfectly, and they truly haven't stopped being so perfect.  Having my roommate and suite mate become two of my closest friends in the matter of a week was unexpected.  Being welcomed onto the club soccer team was a surprise.  Finding nice, genuine people was a miracle in itself.  Just being on the #1 ranked 'Most Beautiful Campus in the World' makes you happy.  The Carolina sunshine, the brick buildings, and the fountains- how can you not love where you're at?

I like to think that my happiness sort of plateaued over the summer; graduation and vacation were the peaks of my excitement, but shortly after, I found myself content, but also yearning for something different.  Distance from my old routines could not have come at a better time.  It's hard to believe that seven years ago I found myself feeling alone and the outside looking in.  Now, I truly could not be happier.  There's something special about knowing you are always loved at home, but you always have people who are genuinely happy for you and excited to see you when you get back to school.  Leaving home and school is always bittersweet, but in all honesty, I think that is the best conflict I could ask for.

Maybe your opportunity to find true happiness isn't college; maybe it's something sooner or later, but I promise it will come if you let down your guard and give yourself every chance to put yourself out there.  Life is a whole lot sweeter when you do.

Danielle