Tip of the iceberg

It's finally here! After months of planning, shopping, reading, and general preparation, tomorrow I leave for Centre College. Tomorrow begins the proverbial "rest of my life."

My journey to this place in time seems to have taken ages; a lot has happened this past year. I've graduated high school, moved, gained (and lost) good friends, and I've worked harder than ever. Now, I can't help but feel as if I'm only standing on the tip of the iceberg, ignorant of how much there still is to do, experience, learn, and live.

As per my usual control issues, I've checked, double-checked, and in some cases triple-checked my clothes, bedding, school supplies, etc., trying to make sure that tomorrow morning's move-in goes smoothly.

I suppose that my family will be relatively sad to see me leave for school, but they're happy that I'm moving on and attending a great college. Also, although no one has said it, I suspect that they'll be glad to not hear my singing each morning in the shower. My parents, brothers, and extended family have been incredibly supportive. In a way, I can appreciate that it must be a strange combination of happiness/sadness/awkwardness to raise someone and then release him or her into the world, unsure of their success or failure. Trying to understand my parents' point of view has been key to the collegiate process for me. So much wisdom can be gained through their eyes; at times I'm unsure if I've listened carefully enough to the lessons that they've already learned. At the same time, however, I know that my journey must be my own--my own choices (right or wrong) and their consequences. With that weighing on my mind, I'm apprehensive about the uncertainty of my future, but prepared to face it head-on.

So, my bags are packed; I'm ready to go. I'm standing here beside my door. All but a few goodbyes are said. [Insert cheesy Aerosmith ballad here.] I'm going to miss my friends, but I'm excited at the prospect of continuing my education, new friends, teachers, and challenges. Well, I've got an early morning tomorrow, so I'm going to get some rest. Class of 2011, here I come!