In case I’ve never mentioned it before, but I’ve always been living at home with my parents while attending Champlain. My first year was quite difficult to fit in. I lived far away; I was disconnected from my fellow Champlain students and cut off from all the resources Champlain offers. I was trying to adjust to college life—at home. It’s the hardest thing to do. I’m watching all my friends having the time of their life at college, and fully emerged into the typical “college student" lifestyle. While, I’m still living under the roof that my parents provided and along with that—I still have to abide all their rules.

As of right now, at this very second…it’s all about to CHANGE!

I’ve made an “adult" decision and left my home to venture off into the unknown. I’m still unpacking my belongings in my new room in Rowell Hall. It’s by far the most exciting thing that I’ve ever done in my life. I’m away from my parents, I feel grown up, I know I can take care of myself, and I know I’m about to gain a whole new perspective. I’ve always wanted the whole package from being college student—the good and the bad.

To be honest, I’m a bit sad. Last night, I had to break the news to my baby brother, Cody, who’s only 5-years old. I sat him down and told him I can’t be with him anymore and that I’ll be living on campus. My tears were trying to force its way out as he said, “Why? You can’t go! I want you here. I will block the door tomorrow morning so you can’t go. But if you leave before I wake up, then I’ll tell mom to go search for your car and we’ll make you come home." It’s heartbreaking when this morning I lied to him. I told him I was just going to my car and grab my stuff—but little did he know, that I wouldn’t be back for a long time.

On a happier note, now I can cross “Living in a dorm" off of my checklist. The next thing to do is—study abroad!