Two months ago, there was nothing I wanted more then to go to college, leave my home, and get out of this boring town. But now that I am leaving in two weeks, I cant help but realize how much I will probably miss this place. As scary as it is to be living in Albany, the prospect of leaving my friends and family is even scarrier. Today I actually found myself getting emotional for the first time in years, and I realized how many great memories I have of this small town in the middle of nowhere. I am still excited to leave, but I cant help but sadden during this crazy time in my life.

Ragg,

My daughter was a real 'homer'. She went to Villanova - 130 mile trip and she loved. Albany is a shorter trip, so think of coming home every two or three weeks (if you need to). Mom and Dad can also make the trip to take you out to dinner on a Sunday afternoon :p . A lot depends on the people you meet. If you're not leaving a girlfriend behind that will make it easier too. It's a very personal thing. Enjoy and soak it all up.

I agree with MaryCas, enjoy it as much as you can! I went to a college in Corpus Christi, tx which is about 4 hours away from my home in Austin. Talk about being home sick. I transfered my Sophomore year to a college that was only 1 hour away. In the 3 years that I was at that college I think I only stayed up in school for the entire weekend ONCE! I would go home every weekend and loved it! It was always the highlight of my week. Are you going to the University at Albany or where? I know it can be scary at first but make some friends and stick with your schoolwork, it'll all go by so fast you won't have time to catch your breathe

rb -

You sound like you're out of the movie "American Grafitti" (the Richard Dreyfuss part).

Like MaryCas said, "enjoy". You'll make new memories now.

RB, I couldn't give you advice from experience, as I've yet to be in this situation, but I wish you good luck, and I hope you can find a way to enjoy the new things you are beginning and also remember and visit your family and friends at home.

My family always talks about wanting to move, but I love it here - if I were born elsewhere, I'm sure I'd love it there, too. It's not so much the place itself but the feeling of "home" that it gives you, and the people you'd leave behind. But, there's so much more to experience, and I guess sometimes you just have to try new things and be optimistic about how it could change you. I'm sure you'll do fine.

Ruggingbull, I agree with what everyone already said. I just would add that sadness is part of the growing process, or, better, of life. You always have to leave something behind you in order to achieve something new, different, something enriching you as a human being. You definitely are not loosing your affects, at least the real ones, and you are most definitely going to have more experiences, meet new people, know more places and things. With all difficulties it may imply, this will test your adaptation capabilities, something you are going to verify quite often in your life. In other words, you are going to become an adult! I know it's scary, but it's exciting too. Plus, we are here to support you whenever you want, my friend.

Hugs and kisses,
Lavi

Change can be very scary sometimes - and I know it was for me when I started college, and that was only an hour away! But luckily I stayed in a dorm my first year, and quickly made friends there and I had a blast! I was never really that homesick again. Good luck to you - I know you'll do just fine!

I never lived "by myself" until two years ago. I married at twenty-two, had kids and later divorced. It wasn't until many years later, after my divorce and girls married that I was totally alone. It's a new experience for me and there is a certain sense of independence that is very appealing, yet I know as far away as they are, my family is always my family and we remain close.

It's all a part of life RB. While it'll never be the same again, in terms of living back home, but the memories will be with you forever.

TIS

I'm leaving for college in two weeks also. I'm going to Penn State (main), which is about 3 hours away. I cannot wait. In fact, I wish that I was there now. Three of my best friends have been there for the summer taking classes. I went up to visit them for the weekend... it was the best weekend of my summer (so far).

RB, I doubt you'll be missing home when your at some crazy party, hooking up with some hot college chick!