Today has been a hard day. Not because I've been doing a whole lot (though packing isn't ever a fun or entertaining task), but rather that I'm really at the end of my summer. Just like my peers at MSU who will be going back to class tomorrow, I'll be waking up early to face new challenges. Only thing is, I'm not going to be on campus; I'm going to be on an Airbus.

That fact hit me hard last night. March was a long time ago- March being when I was accepted to the AYF program. Now the reality of it is starting to set in. I am going to be away from friends and family for a whole year, with the exception of a week and a half at Christmas. I know I'm going to make it just fine on my own, and that I'm certainly going to make new friends, but something has to be said about leaving one's friends behind as well. After all, parting is such sweet sorrow.

I guess what I'm afraid of most is people moving on without me. I suppose this is a rather silly thing to be afraid of, since it happens all the time, but coming back next August means things are going to be very different.

On a happier note, things are falling into place- I have almost everything packed away. There is a feeling of detachment to see one's life packed into a few pieces of luggage. The only things that aren't packed yet could easily be put away in the blink of an eye, so I'm sittin' pretty. Except for the damn charger for my razor, which is hiding very well. I have been passively looking for it for the past week or so, and now I'm actively looking for it, but to no avail. I'm only happy that my dad has a charger that will also work for me, otherwise I'd be growing a beard while I'm gone. Wouldn't that look nice on me?

And so I'll take my leave now, about to eat my last supper in Michigan until Christmas.

"Courage is knowing what not to fear."

-Plato