Written by: Kristen Beeck, LPC
I woke up this morning to my alarm blaring from my phone. 7:00 am. I groaned, not wanting to get up. Five more minutes, I thought to myself. When I woke back up, it was 7:42. Oops, I overslept! If only my parents were here to keep me accountable. In what felt like just a few seconds, I jerked out of bed, threw on whatever clothes were within reach, grabbed my backpack, and dashed toward my first college class.
As I raced across campus, I couldn’t help but admire the view. The sun was warm and bright, the beautiful pink and purple tulips were still in bloom, and the leaves on the trees were just starting to change into autumn hues of brown and red. Just then, a brilliant blue jay caught my eye. It was perched on a low-hanging branch on the magnificent oak tree in the center of campus. It effortlessly skipped from one branch to the next, conquering each one like it was a level in a game. Suddenly, it soared into the sky, out of view, and ready to embark on its new journey. This sighting stayed with me throughout the rest of the day. Something about it seemed so familiar.
Later that night as I lay in bed, I realized that the blue jay and I had something in common. We’re both embarking on a journey, one we never experienced before. I left behind the comforts of what I once knew: my hometown, family, and the friends I made along the way; just like the bird soared from its tree that it seemed to know so fondly. Watching it fly so effortlessly made me realize that maybe this change, though unknown and challenging, could also be liberating.
I decided right then and there that the Blue Jay will be my college mascot. It symbolizes the jump I’ve taken into independence. Sure, I might stumble over my alarm clock or struggle with deadlines, but I know my parents equipped me with the tools and skills needed to succeed. They taught me to be resilient, persevere, and never take anything for granted. I will make them proud.
I grabbed my phone from my nightstand and texted my parents for the first time since they helped me move into this dorm a few days prior. “I just wanted to say how amazing you both are. Leaving home was hard, but you did an amazing job raising me. Seeing a blue jay today reminded me that you’ve always encouraged me to spread my wings. I’m excited about this new chapter in life and appreciate everything you’ve done. I love you both!” As I hit send, I felt a sense of comfort and radiance. I am ready to take on whatever college throws at me, and I will take it with freedom and grace, just like the blue jay.
#ModernMePsychology #Parenting #CollegeTransition #EmptyNest #GrowingUp
