Katie's Blog

Personal Narrative Draft

October 3, 2024 at | In Uncategorized | No Comments

(Add hook) For as long as I can remember, I was always so excited to grow up. I couldn’t wait to turn 13 so I could finally be a teenager, reveling in the idea of independence. Then there was 16—the age when I could drive, a symbol of that promised adventure. But the big one was turning 18, the moment I could officially step into adulthood, leaving the comforts of home behind.

As 18 started to creep up on me faster than I thought it would, a wave of overwhelming fear grazed over me. Everything in my life was about to change when I went off to college, and the reality hit me like a ton of bricks. I feared leaving behind everything I had ever known: my home, my neighborhood, and the friends I had grown up with since kindergarten. The thought of starting over felt overwhelming—scary even. I was about to step into a new state, a new place, surrounded by people I didn’t know.

At first, I was stuck between excitement and dread. It was an unsettling mix of emotions. I imagined all the possibilities that lay ahead—new friendships, new experiences, and a chance to be whoever I want to be. This new chapter felt like a blank canvas, a thrilling thought where no one knew my past, and I could be whoever I wanted. But just under that excitement was a constant hum of anxiety: What if I can’t do it? What if I fail? What if I don’t find my place? My mind raced with a million scenarios, each more daunting than the last.

When I arrived on campus, the reality of my fears set in. The bustling hallways, the unfamiliar faces, and the daunting task of navigating it all felt overwhelming. I would find myself missing the comfort of my childhood room and sharing laughs on late nights with friends. 

In those first few weeks, I felt like a small fish in an ocean, scared and unsure. But as days turned into weeks, the unfamiliar began to feel a little more familiar. I attended events and slowly started to build connections. It was a gradual process, and over time I was able to find my rhythm. 

Months later, the campus transformed from a confusing maze into a place of endless possibilities. I began to feel at home, accepting the change rather than fighting it. Instead of fearing what lies ahead, I became excited about the future. I realized that this journey was not just about finding a new place but about discovering who I was becoming.

Through the experience of having to start over at 18, it has allowed me to understand that being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak. Stepping out of my comfort zone has made me stronger as an individual. Starting over can be both challenging and rewarding. 

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