Saying Goodbye to College and Hello to New Beginnings

How do you really say goodbye to the college that has been your home for three and a half years? To the friends who've made everyday - even the awful ones - feel like Christmas? To the teachers who've transformed into mentors, role models and even peers?

Honestly, I don't really know - but today is officially the end of this celiac's undergrad career. And, as excited as I am to fly home to Colorado tomorrow afternoon, I can't help but cry over everything that I'm leaving behind. 

Yet, if I've learned one thing from my entire college experience, it's that endings are the start of new adventures. 

The end of a "normal" freshman year - thanks to a hospital stay and a super fashionable feeding tube - was the start of thriving with celiac disease. 

The end of receiving meals from my college cafeteria was the start of too many tasty kitchen experiments to count. 

The end of my first relationship was the beginning of stronger relationships with people who I know will always be just a call away. 

The end of my life in Poway, California is the start of snowy hikes and gorgeous views and gluten free bistros in Colorado Springs.

A few minutes from our CO home...

And, just like those endings, I know the end of college will bring the start of new memories. 

So what is next for this (graduated) college celiac?

Savoring time with my family in our new Colorado home - and devouring plenty of homemade Christmas cookies along the way. 

Accepting an (almost) full-time position at Entity Magazine as Senior Editor. 

Waiting to hear back from grad schools...any well wishes or luck you can send me would be appreciated!

Returning to PLNU in January to officially walk, receive my diploma and graduate. 

Dream of where I'll be by this time next year! What state will I be living in? What new friends will I have made? What's my latest snacking addiction? All to be determined!

This will probably be my definition of winter fashion...

Even though I've learned enough to graduate college (with a 4.0 I may add - I think I earned a little bragging after how hard I worked for that!), I know I still have plenty to learn. I don't know how well I'm going to adjust to post-graduation life - or to Colorado's freezing winter temperatures!

But I know I have so many people to thank for how far I've come. My parents, who never failed to support me - even when things went horribly wrong. My sister, who I've watched bloom into a college sophomore. My friends - Meghan, Chris, Hannah, Sarah, Natalie, and far too many others to name - who love me whether I'm a hilarious hot mess or, well, just a mess. 

And, you, readers. You've read my story since I started college to the day I'm walking out of class for the last time. Don't worry - the blog will keep on keepin' on, and a name change is one future possibility (either before or after grad school). 

Until then, I suppose I'm writing all to say more than just goodbye to my undergrad journey. I'm writing it to say hello to all of the surprises that are to come. 

Me livin' it up by the ocean as a storm was coming...
I'm sure there's an analogy in there somewhere!

Because, sometimes, "hello" is the most accurate "goodbye." 

*Also found at Dare to Share!*

Do you have any big life changes coming up? What endings have turned into beginnings for you? Tell me below!