For me, the first week of college seemed to be little different than the first week of high school. In my classes, we read over the syllabus, learned about the professors, and tried to learn the names of other students. The only thing that has changed this week is me.

I realized this change when my family came up to visit over the long weekend. I was happy to see them, of course, but I found myself not knowing how to act. I had been completely independent for over a week, and I didn't want to give up that freedom. I was also annoyed by the way my younger siblings acted. They kept yelling and picking up acorns and getting in the way of bicyclists. That's normal for them, but my reaction wasn't normal.

Now, after they have gone, I can go back to being who I want to be. This is exhilarating, and also frightening. I am responsible for my own choices now, nobody is going to tell me when I'm doing something wrong, or congratulate me for getting something right. I am on my own.