How I became Mr. Independent

Remember those kids that always faked being sick at sleepovers when we were younger? Or the ones that had to call their parents to come get them in the middle of the night because they missed them? That was me. One time I agreed to go on a week long trip with my childhood best friend, three hours away and I cried every night. It was so bad that I had to call my dad halfway through the week to come get me. He was not happy. I was a complete homebody - until about age 11.

In sixth grade, my parents got divorced. This is when everything about me changed. I started relying a lot more on relationships with my friends instead of my parents. This sounds sad but it’s really not. I still had and have a good relationship with my parents but I started to gain my sense of independence right around the time of their divorce. Coincidence? Anyone with divorced parents growing up knows the struggles of splitting time and having to go from house to house throughout the week; it’s a lot for a kid. Now going home is a real challenge trying to hang out with mom or dad enough. I oftentimes feel guilty if I feel like I’m neglecting them for too long and may think it hurts their feelings so, I try to balance my time with friends and family.

My independence continued to blossom throughout high school where I made strong friendships and made lifelong memories. This is how I got to where I am now. I knew in my junior year of high school that I wanted to move on and go far away for college. I chose the furthest state south and landed in sunny, Tampa. Having gone so far away has not only strengthened my independence but also made me realize how great going back home is too. It’s cliche but true what they say, you never really know what you have until it's gone. And that’s what makes me appreciate home that much more when I return for holidays and summers on the beach.

Even though I may have had a little bit of a rough upbringing, I learned everlasting lessons that have ultimately made me the person I am today and made me realize to be grateful and own my past. By spreading my wings and coming to Tampa for college it has also made me realize I need to keep going and spend time somewhere new, with new opportunities for personal growth. I don’t know what exactly I’m looking for or where I should go but as my aunt wrote to me in my high school graduation card, “Not all those who wander are lost.”

What will be next for Mr. Independent?

Photo By: Jake Maloney