May is here. For most, it is an exciting time! Summer is approaching, and another year of high school is going to be here before they know it. But for the class of 2026, these months are signs that a new beginning is coming, a new stage in life we must begin preparing for. Everyone is (if they haven’t already) figuring out where they will be attending college, or what future endeavors they plan to pursue. And for a few of us, me included, we will be moving far away from home.
Moving away from home for college is something I’ve imagined for years, but now that it’s actually happening, it feels a lot more real, and a lot more complicated. There’s excitement in thinking about a new campus, new friends, and the freedom to build my own routine. At the same time, there’s this nervousness that sneaks up on me when I realize that I won’t have the same daily comfort of home anymore. College isn’t just a new place; it’s a completely new version of life, and stepping into that is nerve wracking.
One of the biggest changes is emotional. Leaving for college means letting go of the small, everyday things I’ve always taken for granted. Family conversations, familiar spaces, seeing my friends everyday, even routines I used to complain about. It’s strange how something so ordinary can suddenly feel so important once you know it won’t be there in the same way. However, I’m starting to understand that missing home doesn’t mean I’m not ready, it just means I care about where I came from while still moving forward.
College also comes with expectations that go beyond classes and grades. I’ll be learning how to better manage my time, balance responsibilities, and make decisions on my own. It’s figuring out how to take care of myself better, and still make room for the new and exciting experiences. It’s also about putting myself out there, meeting new people, trying new things, and stepping outside of my comfort zone.
For other seniors getting ready to leave for college, it’s ok if your emotions don’t match what you thought they would be. You can be excited and scared at the same time. You can feel ready one moment and unsure the next. Moving away for college isn’t just about going somewhere new, it’s about growing into someone new. And even though that change can feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to discover who you are when you’re finally on your own.