The Impact of College on a Cypress Creek Lakes Kid

Iwas born and raised in Cypress, Texas. As much as I love the town, when the time came to leave for better places, people, and things, I took that opportunity to start fresh at a school far away from here. So, off I went to The University of North Texas, (the only person in my high school graduating class to do so), and started my new adventure. Was it terrifying, leaving the comfo rt of Cypress, to be entirely on my own? Of course, it was, but that was the best part about it. Going to college far away from Cypress, a person can change for the better. By allowing distance from my family and friends, I saw myself gain independence. I was able to think as freely as I wanted and form my own opinions about the world as I saw it. I learned how to create the routine that best fitted my stud ying, work, social, and personal life (I thoroughly enjoy "Domestic Sundays," as I can do chores at my own pace). The friends I made my freshman year have grown to become some of my absolute favorite people. We accepted each other's faults, insecurities, and quirks and grew to be overdramatic and true to ourselves. I am so grateful to have found them when I did, as they helped make my university feel like home, with a new found family. To watch each other grow from confused freshmen to fullfledged adults, some with children and others with "Fur Babies," is among the biggest blessings I could have. I also think back to all

By Hannah Kearns

of the fun and new experiences college gave me. I was able to explore the Dallas/Fort Worth area with friends whenever I wanted; the world was my oyster! I still remember us discovering a tulip farm, only 30 minutes from campus. Every March for the next four years, it became a tradition to get dressed up, pick flowers, and take pictures. I still have our first group picture together, framed on my desk. Yet, despite all of the independence, I realized that distance truly does make the heart grow fonder. I started to miss eating dinner at the table every night with my family; having company w as a lot more enjoyable than eating Chipotle at my desk by myself. As I was growing on my own, so did my appreciation for my family. Being able to call my mom, dad, and sister once a day gave me that dose of family time that I needed, but I still had the independence and freedom I was embracing. (It's not so bad to call your parents every once and while too, you know. They do end up missing their kid more than you think). They say that college is some of the best years of your life; I have to agree. I like to believe that the person I was senior year of high school would be proud of the changes, experiences, and growth I have achieved in only four years. College prepares you for changes you hadn’t noticed about yourself until later down the road. What a revelation it was to hear my old high school best frie nd say, "Well, you've become Hannah 2.0, in a way." That’s when you realize that college has impacted you in more ways than a degree can show.

About the Author

Hannah Kearns is a graduate of the University of North Texas and is pursuing her Masters's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialization in Adolescences and Young Adults at UNT. Her day job is as a substitute teacher specializin g in English and History, while editing college admission essays as a side business. For more information, email HannahKearns@my.unt.edu.