The Next Five Years

Well, today's the day.

A day that many people consider a milestone in their lives.

The first day of college.

Although the day is finally here, I still have a difficult time grasping the fact that I am actually a college student now.

It just does not seem completely real to me yet.

Today is the start of a five year long journey (I'm going to co-op, so it will take me five years instead of four to get my degree).

I couldn't even guess what the next five years have in store for me if I tried.

I know I face my fair share of triumphs and failures.

There will be good days and bad days.

Sometimes I will feel like everything is in place, and sometimes I will feel like everything is falling apart.

I am nervous, for sure.

I do not like the uncertainty of tomorrow.

However, something deep inside of me is excited too.

In the next five years, I am going to meet some pretty amazing people and make some great friends, which (thankfully!) I have already begun to do through orientation and freshman convocation.

In the next five years, I will start co-oping and begin my search for a fulfilling job after graduation.

In the next five years, I will do some traveling, and most likely finally get to Paris (!!!!).

In the next five years, my character and personality will continue to grow and develop.

In the next five years, I will make some pretty awesome memories and share many laughs.

I can still remember the first day of high school. I was nervous too. I did not know if I would know people in all of my classes. I did not know what was in store for me. I am pretty sure I probably even wished I was still in grade school because it was comfortable and safe.

Now, four years later, I feel much of the same. Will I know people in all of my classes? Absolutely not. Do I know what is in store for me? No way. Do I wish I could go back to the comfort and safety of high school? Yes, a little.

I have learned though history often repeats itself.

From my own experience, I have come to see that life seems to get better with each passing year.

Looking back now, I wish I could have told high school freshman me not to worry because far better things lay ahead in high school than what I left behind in grade school. There were times in the midst of high school where I probably did not think that, but having finished those chapters of my life, I can say without a doubt that high school was better.

I have also heard from just about every college student or graduate that college is better than high school as well.

I have a hunch that 23-year old me will be saying the same thing and wishing that she could tell me today that far better things lie ahead.

So with a few butterflies in my stomach, a fresh coat of polish on my nails, my computer on my back, and my head held high, I head off this morning for the first day of the next five years......