Almost summer...

As I sit and enjoy this long weekend, I cannot help but think summer is a few short weeks away. Summer--a time of no worries, sun, friends, and fun. Something I've always enjoyed. For the first time in my life I won't have a summer.. Last summer was literally the last summer (even though I worked 8-5 for 8 weeks of it). This summer symbolizes not only a change in the season, but a change in chapters. My life is taking on a new chapter--Adulthood. While I've felt independent and mentally like an adult for several years I will truly learn what is like on my own. I will learn what its like to manage a budget and pay those dreaded bills. To slowly see each penny I've worked so hard for go to the basic necessities of life.

Like the summer this transition will be fun and exciting, but also hot, boring and miserable. I am scared to see what the balance will be. I'm scared to be away from the people who I hold so close. I'm scared for distance and time to start making their mark. While college is stressful and keeps me busy, I know that this is a rare time in your life where you are mostly carefree and able to do what you want. If you just prioritize your time you can always make it to where your schedule fits those of your friends. There is always someone to lean on, cry on, and go on an adventure with. I don't want to lose those people.. I don't want those relationships to start drifting....... slowly sinking off into the vast Atlantic to be washed back on and off for the rest of our lives.

I suppose I should look at the positives. I no longer have to worry and pick up after my messy roommates. I don't have to be busy 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. with class, meetings, and homework. I get to use the knowledge I've worked so hard to gain, while continuing to learn. There's new people to meet and promotions to gain. An apartment to decorate and make into my home. Since my parents moved a few months ago I've felt kind of homeless, so it will be nice to make my very first home and start my own life.

I won't be totally alone. I have a couple of friends staying in this area, and a family I'm close to within 5 minutes of my new place. I will be in a small city so I have that homey feeling while having stuff to do (and great places to eat at!)

I hope that the transitions I've already experienced in life can help me stay strong and enjoy this new chapter. I hope I remember that you don't have to talk everyday or know everything about someone's life  to stay best friends... I've known that since 8th grade but it's different for different people.

If I had one piece of advice to give future, for real adult me it would be to stay adventurous. Don't make it to where going to Krispy Kreme at midnight,  randomly go to the Daytona 500, or jumping out of plane is just a college thing. Experiences are for life. Don't let the 8-5 life make you boring and tired. Always remember what you love and if you lose passion in something...find something to replace it.

Good luck to everyone out there having a similar transition. See it as a fun thing! You're friends will always be there (especially in this connected society!), there are similar people to you anywhere you go, and change is good. Don't be afraid. Transitions help you discover pieces of yourself you were unaware of.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face....we must do that which we think we cannot!"

Much love,

Alyssa