There are many students currently moving into colleges across the country. The freshmen have no idea how lucky they are. They are about to embark on some of the best years of their life. As I walk around campus, I can absolutely feel the excitement in the air. There's the nervousness of new experiences, first hints of independence and eagerness to see what this whole college thing will bring. That's me packed and ready to head to Carolina in 2004:
My Move-In: Luckily my dorm room was on the second floor, right next to the stairwell, so move-in was fairly easy as there was no battling of the elevators for me.
(Aside: It was later discovered that Hank lived six floors directly above me!)
My roommate, Kristyn, was a friend from high school. After moving most items in, my parents, Kristyn and I headed to Franklin Street for McAlister's Deli. I distinctly remember drinking a big sweet tea from there, move-in was just that hot. We stopped by a campus landmark, the Old Well, for a first roommate photo opportunity:
What I remember most about move-in day was when it came time for my parents to say goodbye. I'm an only child, and it was hard - It's hard for a lot of families. We held it together pretty well at first. My parents gifted to me a beautiful ring with a Carolina blue stone. I still wear it today! My Dad had the first tear, and that's what really got me, so I just lost it. Then my mom had tears as well, so they just scooted on out of there.
What I remember most about move-in day was when it came time for my parents to say goodbye. I'm an only child, and it was hard - It's hard for a lot of families. We held it together pretty well at first. My parents gifted to me a beautiful ring with a Carolina blue stone. I still wear it today! My Dad had the first tear, and that's what really got me, so I just lost it. Then my mom had tears as well, so they just scooted on out of there.
At that point as a parent, I imagine you can only hope that all you have taught your child throughout the last 18 years will really resonate during the next four years. After a couple of deep breaths, laughs with my roommate at how I was a hot mess, and I'm sure a few phone calls to my parents, it just set in that it's now time to do what I came to Carolina to do. You're there, at college, to figure it all out. This starts with the decorating of the dorm room:
Once I arrived to my dorm room, Kristyn was already set-up. She gave me the bottom bunk, which I still think was way too nice. It worked out perfectly, because I brought a dust ruffle to college! Hank still thinks that's so funny.
Once I arrived to my dorm room, Kristyn was already set-up. She gave me the bottom bunk, which I still think was way too nice. It worked out perfectly, because I brought a dust ruffle to college! Hank still thinks that's so funny.
You will find the infamous blue hand chair amongst the decorations below:
College truly is about figuring it all out. It's about figuring out where to put the blue hand chair, and it's about figuring out who you're going to become - all on your own. Maybe you graduate from college and you still aren't sure what you are meant to do in life, but that's okay. What you do figure out is who you are and what you're passionate about, and that's a lot to have learned. The rest will come... It always does.
