College

Five months ago I moved into my dorm room for the first time, but honestly it feels like I've already spent so much longer here. It has been amazing, and I fall more in love with this place everyday that I'm here. I just want to do something more for myself than for anyone reading this (which, let's face it, is the only reason I write this anyway). So, this is just a letter to myself right before move in day.

Oh Emily,
You are so worried about so many things. You think everyday about everything that could go wrong. You're worried about not knowing what to do, about trying to make new friends, and about loosing your old friends. Just take a deep breath, it is all going to be alright.
You will be amazed at how quickly you will grow close to some wonderful friends, and how you will recreate old ones. You'll love your roommate more than you could possibly expect now. It won't take even a week for this place to feel like home. You'll meet some weird people and some great ones.
You'll loose your voice cheering on the Gamecocks and you'll eat away your feelings the first time that they lose. You'll find the perfect dress for game day, and you'll jump and cheer until you can't feel your feet. And you don't regret choosing this for one moment. This wonderful, beautiful, fantastic world you have found has become home, and you wouldn't have it any other way. You'll mess up a few times, and you might even get your heart broken, but nothing is too big to stand in your way. Stop worrying and remember that God has brought you here for a reason. Take some deep breaths and finish packing. Everything will be ok.
Stop worrying about losing your friends. No, you don't facetime one a week, but Meghan sends you random buzzed quizzes once a week, and the first time you see Rachel and Molly again it's like you all never left, except for the fun new stories that you have to share with each other. Don't worry about Nick and Matthew, they are going to be fine. This separation actually brings you closer together and now you tell them everything. You even help them through a few weird situations too. Stop worrying and start praying, that's the only thing you can do. So, respira.
With hope and love and joy,
Emily, One Semester Down