Megan PellegrinoI hysterically burst into tears as I read the letter falling to my knees. A sharp pain filled my heart. The knots in my stomach had never felt tighter.
Over two years ago I made the largest decision of my entire life. I decided to attend Cabrini College in Radnor, Pa. I made the choice to move 2,870 miles away from my home in San Francisco, Calif.
My parents had written me a letter. For the first time in my life I could not see them face to face. I would not see them for months.
Everything seemed fine during my first week in college but the letter made living on the East Coast entirely real. College was not a month away anymore. It was here and now. I was scared.
I tried my best to gather myself and wipe the tears from eyes as I walked back to my dorm, head hanging low.
I will never forget that moment in my life. I wanted to give up on Cabrini. I wanted to pack my bags and go home.
Two years later I realize not only did I choose my college wisely but I made the best decision of my life in staying.
Although I realize Cabrini is the best place for me, my college experience has been anything but easy. Living so far from home is not for everyone and only the strongest individuals can not just survive but happily live.
The past two years of my life have been filled with ups and downs. The greatest difference between the average Cabrini student and me is I have to depend on myself.
Friends can only give me so much time, teammates so much support, co-workers so many words of wisdom. The Cabrini community can only offer me so much.
At the end of the each night as I climb into my bed I have only myself. I pray to God for strength before I dream away the night.
Instead of wasting away in my room I have found the answer to my loneliness. I have found the answer to living away from home. Two words: Stay active.
My definition of active is taking 18 college credits, writing for the Loquitur, playing varsity basketball, working as an intern for 15 hours a week and doing my best to keep a social life.
Without activity, life away from home can be very difficult.
While the majority of Cabrini students do not attend Cabrini College but Cabrini Camp, as they sleep over five nights a week only to leave for the weekend. Life can be extremely lonely on a deserted campus.
I am not writing this piece to ask for sympathy. I placed myself in this situation.
Cabrini can not offer me with everything I want but this is good. In life we are not given the world. Instead it is up to us to earn what we want.
I do not know what I want but I am not afraid of the future. In two years I have become more of a man than I ever have been.
The life lessons I have learned will stay with me throughout my time on earth. Although being able to visit home more often than ten days in December and three months during the summer would be nice I would not change my life here at Cabrini for anything or anyone.
Cabrini students will continue to attend Cabrini Camp. Every Friday Mom and Dad will come pick them and their bags up. Each Sunday and Monday they will come back for another sleepover at camp as they blow their parents kisses in the air.
I do not attend Cabrini Camp. I have enrolled at Cabrini College. For that I am forever grateful.
