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Well Western, Here's What's Up...

     


    I can't say that college has been everything I thought it would be. In fact, it's nothing like I expected, but that's why it has been so rewarding.
    The things I was most nervous about for college were living with a roommate, having completely new classes dedicated to a major, and figuring out how to balance everything. I still struggle with that last one. However, my roommate is super cool and it's a great experiment with respect and responsibility to be forced to coexist with another person. One of the greatest blessings of college has been living on the Honors Floor. I am surrounded by creative, intelligent, accepting, unique females whom all have a fabulous sense of humor. The way we have bonded so fiercely and faithfully in this short time amazes me.
    Believe me, I received a good education in high school, but being a musical theatre major means I am enlightened every single day by things I have never even thought about before. I have professors who have truly lived and share their knowledge and experience honestly and abundantly. I attend classes amongst students who are equally as passionate and eager as I am to sink their teeth into uncharted territory. I am guided outside of my comfort zone every day and even though that's scary and uncomfortable, it's making me better; which is what I came here for.
    I am getting accustomed to dorm living, building friendships, improving upon my singing, dancing, and acting skills, all while having boat loads of fun, but I gotta say, it feels like there's something missing. That missing piece is me.
    I have been thrown into this new world four hours away from home and completely void of anyone I previously knew before the age of 18. So I have been exploring Macomb, but pretty hesitantly due to the fact that I feel like I left a large part of myself back in Marshalltown. You know how you can immerse yourself into a new environment, but it's so foreign and intimidating that you miss the convenience and ease of the life you left behind? That's where I'm at right now. I'm trying to figure out where Libby fits and what her newfound purpose is here. I'm also trying not to feel heavy-hearted considering the overwhelming love in the form of of my family, friends, and community that I departed from three months ago. It's crazy how you can go from seeing certain individuals every day to only hearing their voice once a week when you call or FaceTime. 
    I don't mean for this to seem like I'm unhappy or ungrateful to be in my current position. Since I grew up in the same place with the same people for 18 years, I developed a pretty good sense of who Libby was and the role she played for those around her. Now I'm a bit lost and unsure of  myself—but I don't think that's a bad thing. It's a part of growing up and moving forward; this is an opportunity, not an obstacle. 

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