Coming home from school always brings a sort of overwhelming happiness. I am back with my family, friends, in the comfort of my own home, and driving my car through all the familiar neighborhoods, towns, and lanes that I have always known of since I was a child. My closet is displayed with all sorts of knicks and knacks from K-12, like my high school graduation cap, a kindergarten memory book, honors cords, and then my middle school yearbooks catch my eyes as I try hard not to open them and come face-to-face with the “awkward tween phase”. I encountered a project from fifth grade when I stated I wanted to be a baker when I grow up (although that is quite not the job I envision for myself now, but I do love to bake in my free time!) and a great amount of old cheerleading, soccer, and school gear in my drawers that I keep for home.
I look and drive around and see how certain things have changed, what was built, what was broken down, but the memories are still here. I drive past my high school and remember the car rides my friends and I took to school every morning and getting food afterwards. The chaos that took place during middle school at the parks, the restaurants we walked to when we finally got the “yes” from our parents that we were able to walk alone, and so many more. Being home makes me enjoy the town I grew up in even more. It still holds the family-oriented and slow pace life I crave while being engrossed in the hectic life of a college student. I feel safe and an abundance of comfort washes over me knowing I am here at home with the people who bring me joy.
While there is truly no place like home, and as much as I would want to go back and relive certain moments over and over again, I am thankful to have taken this leap of faith to attend college out of state. This change of scenery has made me realize everything God has in store for me and who He is calling me to be, while also meeting the amazing friends that I have now. I am grateful for where I am and where I am heading. As someone who has a hard time dealing with change in the initial stages, I truthfully believe change is necessary. In the midst of my college journey, I am tapping into my authentic self and finally finding my place in this world away from my comfort zone.Â