I was gone, free from my past life. I was an adult, at the age of eighteen stepping up the stairs of life. It was the end of summer, and college quickly approached. My last days of summer were spent at home with my family. Thoughts pondered my mind and it was hard to realize I was leaving my house of eighteen years to live by myself eight hours away. My family had taught me everything from my alphabet to folding clothes and I was a bit hesitant about living alone away from them.

On a Saturday morning, I lugged my bags and supplies to the car. I stood outside and let the sun shine upon my face. The big oak tree that I used to climb was taller and the branches were unreachable. Reminiscing, I thought of the things my friends and I did. Our numerous slumber parties, and long talks late at night would be no more. We were all going to different colleges and staying in contact would be even harder.

College seemed so unreal. I stood in my room grabbing my favorite stuffed animal who I never would leave. I stood in my room remembering the advice and long talks I had with my parents. They always wanted me to go to college, and get married once I had a stable job. Most of all, I remember my parents telling me that I could be anything I wanted by making goals and ambitions and working to accomplish them.

I spent a long time saying my goodbyes to my younger sister, mom and dad. My dad checked the car and I was set to go. Hugs were given and kisses too as I opened the car door and got in. I turned the key and backed out of the drive way traveling down the thin dirt row. I passed my neighbors houses, and a smile smeared across my face.

Thoughts pondered my mind as I was driving. I could visit my parents, yes, but I still wouldn’t see them every day as I had. I could call them or e-mail them, but it wasn’t the same as being there seeing the reaction on their faces. I had the memories, and I felt that was all I needed. I was no longer a child, and I felt ready to be out on my own.

The windows came down, and the wind blew my hair in my face. I felt refreshed and anxious for the change in life. The sun shown bright as I put my sunglasses on. I traveled the dirt road one last time. The road was moist as usual from the condensation of the morning. The clouds numbered the sky, and the trees enclosed me onto the road. I started to excel, and I drove my car recapping on the first eighteen years of my life. I turned my radio up, and sang as if no one were listening. The past had been full of good times, and in that car, I realized I was even more anxious to start my future.