I’m am currently in the stage of life where all people talk to me about is going to university. I get it. It’s big and exciting. But I think part of the reason kids struggle after we get there is because it has been all-consuming for the last few months.

Don’t get me wrong, I want to talk about it.

I’m excited to tell you that I’m heading to Waterloo for Social Development and Business.

To tell you that I’m staying in residence and that I’m decorating my dorm room with my favourite colours. Clay and cream.

But, I am more than my move-in date or my class schedule.

I want to enjoy my summer now and talk about what I’m doing today rather than in three weeks. It may sound like I’m saying all of this because I’m nervous about going to university. I understand that this may be partly true because I definitely have nerves about leaving home. But I think being nervous means you’re human, just as much as big changes mean you’re growing up.

I don’t want to be going to university convinced that my school choice and schedule are the only important things about me. Nor do I want to leave home with my only summer memories being about preparing for and answering questions about school.

I know and completely understand that a conversation about school is a conversation about brighter and better paths and comes from deep interest and excitement from those around me. But I am still trying to stay (at least somewhat) present.

So, please, when you see me, ask me about school. Ask me about my program and my residence. We can talk about my goals and dreams, I am happy to do that. But also remember that I’m a human who is still living life now. I’ve got exciting plans for the fall that lots of people want to talk about, and that’s okay. But I’ve also got lots of other things going on that I’d be equally as happy to talk about.

That’s really all I have to say. I really hope this didn’t come off as rude, because I know that when you ask 18-year-olds about the school you’re trying to show us that you care, and I really appreciate it! But I also want to talk about reality tv, summer adventures, and exciting plans you have! I guess in the end all I’m really trying to say is, it is easy to talk to kids my age about moving to school. But please also consider that we are probably thinking about it NON-STOP. So a nice and real conversation about life now could really remind us how worthy we are of this very moment.