Since I was in middle school, I dreamed about what it would be like to dorm in college. I imagined the excitement of move-in day, walking in and finally meeting my new roommates, who could either be my new best friends, or worst enemies.
We would spend that year staying up all night, hanging out with others on our floor, going and occasionally checking out Greek row. We would share clothes, cry on the floor and eat ice cream when a boy broke our heart, you know... what the movies tell us dorm life is like.
Unfortunately for me, I didn't get that life.
Attending a college in the same city I already live in gave my parents every excuse to tell me, "Save your money," by which they meant, of course, their money. Live at home and eat mommy's home-cooked food.
Now, staying at home meant I would save a lot of money in comparison to paying for a room as well as food. But, there would be other blessings as well. I would get to be apart of my nephew's everyday life, and watch him grow up. My parents would let me use the car whenever I need it. I even get to wake up in the morning to breakfast or come home to delicious evening meals. Some days, it's completely ideal living at home, others not so much.
When scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, and seeing how well my friends have adapted to their new lives, I can't help but feel jealous. I'm not able to live the "actual" college experience all my friends have. I had to find myself a job so I could pay for my own gas, and so my parents wouldn't have to spend much on my education.
I haven't even met my new BFFL yet. I'm constantly stuck in the library with other commuters that I went to high school with because we have long breaks in between classes, and don't want to waste gas going back home. It takes me almost thirty minutes to drive up to San Diego State, and another thirty back, which means if I leave anything at home, I either decide to waste gas going back for it or get screwed over. Don't even get me started on how jealous I get when I see their snapchats on the weekends.
Yet, I know I'm completely blessed.
I still get to go to college, meet new people, all while being able to spend time with my family whenever I want to. I now have plenty of apartments to stay at whenever I'm visiting Los Angeles, or Santa Cruz, thanks to my friends. I may have missed out on the experience I always dreamed of, but I know for sure that I want to work hard so I can allow my own future child to be able to do so.