October Life Update

Hi!!

Happy October to all! Fall, that most lovely of seasons, has finally arrived and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Things are really good. I made my move to a new city, I'm taking classes that I love, I'm making new friends, and I've gotten so many opportunities to do and experience great things.

I feel more peaceful than I felt in high school. I had so many activities, so much homework, and so many hours that I needed to be in school that I never felt like I could catch a break. Now, I spend time on the things I want to do. I get to really rest and hang out with people, without feeling guilty that I'm not doing homework. I feel like I can be healthy. There seems to be this societal expectation that high schoolers are not supposed to prioritize their health over school and activites. Thankfully, my parents never made me feel like that, but it was a sense I got from the culture at large. I feel like I can be healthy here.

My new friends are great. Meeting all new people has been the hardest and most wonderful thing about my new season. It was challenging to move to a place where I didn't know anyone. I have family in this city, but not on campus, and no one from my school came with me. It's overwhelming to think about it. But it's been good. I've made solid connections and I'm so grateful for the people I've met, and for my friends, new and old.