Looking Back

Returning home after living in Florida for four months was tough for a couple of reasons. First, I had gotten very used to not living at home with my parents. Even though I never had any problems living at home, I really got to like living on my own. Second, my relationship with my girlfriend was not going real well. The four months apart were very tough. And it was also tough being home because I no longer lived so close to the people I spent every day of the entire spring with.

It took some time to adjust, but I soon found myself hanging out with the same friends I had left back in February. Everything had changed alot with all of them, so in some respects I had to meet them all over again. But it wasn't long before I felt comfortable once again.

Once home a few weeks I began work on my scrapbook. It is something I will always be able to look at and remember the awesome experience I had. But working on this really made me miss Florida and especially my friends. So I decided it was time to take a trip.

Living in New Jersey, I was farthest from the majority of my closest friends, most of who live out in the Indiana-Illinois area. Lindsey lived up in Buffalo, NY, and we managed to talk on the phone or online at least a few days a week. So I visited Lindsey for a long weekend following the Fourth of July.

The 8-hour drive wasn't too bad, but it was alot of driving within the 3 short days I had to visit. But it was great to see her and her friend Kellie, who had flown down to drive back home with Lindsey back in May. We went to Niagara Falls and then to Canada to hit the casino and bars. I had a blast there, but the best part was just being able to hang out with Lindsey again. It definitely wasn't the same without everyone else, but that is a reality you have to face.

I continued to keep in touch with everyone mainly through email or IM. Finally August came, and Lindsey left Buffalo to move in with Amy in Orlando, and Jeremy left Chicago for a second College Program. Of course this gave me an even better reason to take a trip back to Florida.

I flew down in mid-October for 5 days. I received free park passes since I am a Campus Rep for the College Program at my college. I had the opportunity to hang out with Lindsey, Amy, Jeremy, his girlfriend Meg, and Vince. We went to the Disney and Universal parks, and relaxed the rest of the time. Once again, it was great seeing everyone, especially Jeremy, Amy, and Vince, who I hadn't seen since we left in May.

Many things have changed with me since my College Program ended. I am now back with my girlfriend, which is the best thing that could have happened to me. While I miss the spring, I am happy to be home with her. I have grown in many ways, but my life is back to where it used to be.

I spent the fall promoting the Program on my campus. Being a Campus Rep has allowed me to remain a Cast Member, with all of the perks that brings. Being only the second student from my school to participate in the Program, convincing other students that this is a worthwhile experience has been an uphill battle. But I attracted almost 40 students to an information session I held. About 5 of them even made the trip to interview at Rowan University. This progress is definitely encouraging.

I still talk to many of my friends from the spring, even though all of us are busier than ever. I know some relationships will grow apart with time, but there are a few that I know I won't allow to do that. These people are some of the best friends I have ever had, and I know these friendships will continue to last longer than the 4 short months we spent together.