August 9, 2026
The last 4 weeks in MN have been exactly the reset I’ve needed and more. I don’t even know how to put my feelings into words right now because I’m on my period and everything is making me emotional.
After one of the busiest semesters of college so far and studying abroad for 6 weeks, all I wanted was to be home. I had been constantly moving around since I went to Chicago to get my visa in April. Studying abroad and living in Kansas for college has taught me that I will be chasing the feeling of home no matter where I am unless I’m in Minnesota. It’s bittersweet leaving today because I know it’s one step closer to being back home for good, but it also means I will be leaving my little bubble of Lawrence so soon. Nothing in the world will replace the person I am when I’m home with my family and friends; knowing that this is where I’m meant to be.
I wanted to go to college out of state because I think I knew deep down that I would never leave MN if I didn’t do it now. I made that decision at such a weird time in my life, and I couldn’t be prouder of my younger self for going outside my comfort zone and taking the leap to move 7 hours away. My mom and I talked a few weeks ago about how badly I struggle with being uncomfortable, and I see it in almost everything I do. Relationships, friendships, work, school and even the type of car I drive come down to the fact that I love to be comfortable. I literally picked out my Nissan because I felt like it was very similar to the 2009 Mazda that I owned previously. And now I don’t have heated seats because of that decision LOL. I pushed myself to be uncomfortable and now when I move back to Minnesota, I’m going to have lifelong friends all over the states to visit!!!!!!
I am so excited to be back in Lawrence for one final time with all my college friends. The beginning of the lasts are already making me emotional… I can’t even imagine how I am going to feel during Never Alone at senior pref. It is crazy to me that senior year of high school was four years ago because it truly feels like yesterday. I am so thankful for my life here and the friends I’ve made because they have pushed me far outside my comfort zone, which I desperately needed.
What a privilege it is to leave a place you love with people you love, to go back to the same thing!