When I graduated high school, I was looking forward to leaving my old life and the town where I grew up. I was looking forward to figuring out who I am, what I like, and what I want to do with my life. Choosing a college at age 18 was daunting. Not knowing what the future held scared me. Even so, I was excited to leave home and grow as an individual. Initially, I thought that the only way to grow was by leaving my family behind — a family that is big, complicated, and very loving. In fact, it’s so complicated that I wrote my college essay on it! Little did I know how going away to college would change my relationships with my family members.
In regards to my relationship with my parents, I found myself talking to them more than I had when I lived at home. At college, I felt lonely and wanted to get their input on my life. My parents weren’t there anymore to be looking over my shoulder and guiding the way. It was weird to me when I had new opportunities and didn’t need to ask for their permission first. In high school, I would ask my parents if I could do something before I did it. Now, I can do and go wherever I want without them even knowing. Yet, I still call them to ask them questions and ask for their advice. I still feel like I need them to be a part of my life even though they are miles away.Â
In regards to my siblings, I knew that things would change. I have a 13-year-old sister who I have never been close to and feared that I would only talk to when I was at home. My relationship with her has stayed the same. We have a love-hate relationship and we don’t always get along. Right now, she calls me and I don’t look forward to talking to her. I hope that with time, she will mature and our relationship will improve.
I also have two younger brothers. One brother is 9-years-old. I love him but we butt heads more than I wish. He has this tendency where he always needs to be right and I feel the same way. We still butt heads but the last time that I was home, we didn’t as much. We hung out together and played Fortnite. Now, I actually wanted to be in his presence, which was different than what I had felt before. Maybe it’s because he’s now older or maybe I realized that he is going to remember the times when I am home.Â
My youngest brother is 6-years-old and just started Kindergarten. He’s so sweet and filled with love. He’s so young and still has so much life ahead of him. I was scared that by going to school, he would completely forget about me. I personally don’t remember before Kindergarten and I didn’t know if he would remember who I was. Little did I know that my relationship with him would get better. Now, when I come home on breaks, he cries happy tears when he sees me.Â
Since coming to college, I value going home now and want to go home. My parents installed a lot of trust in me. They have always trusted me and pushed me to make the right decisions. I’m grateful for all that they’ve done for me. I’m happy that I have gotten closer with my family and praise my parents. I know some people that dread going home, but I look forward to seeing my family and receiving their unconditional love.