Chronicles of a College Kid: Leaving for College Tomorrow!

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LOTViolists is off to college, and we have butterflies. —Sparkitors

Tomorrow, I leave for college. Yes, it's late. Yes, everyone I talk to says "WOW THAT'S LATE" as if they are all robots programmed with the same annoying Response Chip. (Note: I do not know if a Response Chip actually exists.)

Since college starts so soon, I think I will tell all you high schoolers what it's like to stand on the edge of your college years.

You know that strange, backwards feeling where you actually WANT to go to school before it starts? When you're slightly bored out of your mind after a summer of doing nothing? That's how I feel right now. Even when I think about how this is my last summer at home, I don't feel regret. I feel like I am READY FREDDY for this amazing life change. I can't wait to unleash all my potential!

Another thing I can't wait for is the friends. Having been homeschooled all my life (and I wouldn't trade that for the world), I don't have a lot of close friends. I've read some posts about dorm buildings becoming like huge families, and I'm hoping that's what my experience is like. Nine-month sleepover? Yes PLEASE.

I have spent most of my time on the computer these past few days friending people who will be my future schoolmates. I've scoured facebook for obscure groups related to my school. I've scanned through my teacher's entire friend list. And I've done a little dance every time a UNCSA person friends me first. Everyone I've met seems SO NICE. I think we'll all get along very well. I've met a couple people who can be my Church Buddies. I've met some people who are really dedicated and practice a lot. I've even met several people who plan to stay away from the drinking scene as I do. Judging by the fun and friendly conversations I've had with some of them, I think I'm going to have plenty of great friends. And hey, maybe a boyfriend as well. (Please, boyfriend gods? Please?)

I've heard some of the most interesting stories from people who have been at UNCSA for a couple of years. Once a lightning bolt hit the power generator, and everyone was without power for a long time. One guy got an actual concussion by falling off a slide during an opera dress rehearsal. There's a tornado warning at least every year. It definitely sounds interesting! I just really hope the food is good (and luckily, I am told it is. Yippee!).

Now, the flip side of the card.

It's more than a little daunting to own dish soap and dishes. The huge piles of stuff in my house ready to be packed into the car and shipped off with me are a constant reminder that soon I'll be on my own. I know that soon, I'll have to take my first actual classes ever, and I'll probably have to work my butt off just to learn how to study correctly. It's strange to be emptying out my room and my closet. While these are all exciting things, they are a little foreboding when I really think about them.

Plus, when I'm at college, I'll be all on my own. What if I forget to go to a class? What if I don't make any good friends? What if I'm shunned for being dedicated to my instrument? What if I miss everything interesting because I have to study and practice? What if I shun study and practice and do badly in school? What if I DON'T shun study or practice and do badly in school? What if I get kidnapped right off the campus? While I know these things are unlikely, they still freak me out occasionally.

But then I think: I'll only ever be at school a couple months at a time. My dad has lots of friends in the area who can take care of me if I have a problem. I'm good at making friends. I've been in classrooms before for CCD. And I've been to IUSSA, a month-long strings camp that's just like college. I was like a fish in water.

Okay, since I'm making stupid fish metaphors, I think it is a good idea to close this article. A day before college, I feel the same way I've felt since making my college decision: mostly excited, and a little nervous—but the nerves are easy to talk away. The difference is that both feelings are on a bigger scale.

I wish I could just be at college NOW, so the waiting can be over with already!

Good luck, LOTV!!!!

Related post: Chronicles of a College Kid: Homeschool Graduation