Editors note: the author of this piece is a 19 year old college student. He does not claim to know about life, nor does he know how you should live. This is his perspective, nothing more nothing less.

Going to college has really opened my eyes to how life really is. At times it can be really great, and at other times it can be really shitty.

I just recently started to live on my own. In doing so I’ve learned how to cook myself, learned how to pay bills, and realize that you have to pay to have your trash removed.

This summer has also taught me how important friendship is, and how more important family. However, learning how to balance both is challenging as hell.

Yesterday I had to say goodbye to some good friends(dare I say best friends), friends that I will not see until January of next year. I would by lying if I said it didn’t hurt like hell. You go from seeing them just about everyday for a year and then don’t end up seeing them for days, weeks, months at a time.

Is this what adulthood is like? Not seeing the people you truly care about because of school, and work.

Everyone seems to be moving forward, while I am wishing for those rare moments where everyone I care about is in one place would last forever.

So, I’m writing this post because it’s the only way I know how to work through it.

Growing up is hard, you have to begin to face the harsh reality that the moments you have with the people you care about are fleeting.

One silver lining in this hurricane we call life is: the people that REALLY matter will stick around. You’ll leave for a period of time, come back, and pick up exactly where you left off.

But damn does saying goodbye hurt.

So I say to those that I love; both family and friends: You all hold a special place in my heart. Never will I take your company for granted, and I hope you all feel the same. Because without all of you I do not know where I would be.

Until next time,

Mitchell Timmerman