XO, Bones

As I am coming to the end of my time in Santa Barbara, I keep thinking "this is the last time I'll do ____." Or, "This is the last time I'll see _____." But it wasn't until today that I really started to realize that I am not just leaving a town and a school, I am leaving a home. I have lived in Santa Barbara for three years now. I moved here when I was 17 into my first apartment. It was my first time ever living away from home and even my first time moving. Since then I have moved another two times, but in each home I have cried, I have laughed, I have smiled, I have loved.... I have grown. I grew up in this town. I came here to have a haven, a place to get away from all the messed up pieces back at home. I came to find a new name for myself. I wanted people to take me seriously, I wanted to become something. I have. I have become Megan Ackerman, DECA President, Sigma Chi Eta Marketing Coordinator, Phi Theta Kappa member, President Honor Roll honoree, student, friend, and woman. I have these names attached to me and titles of high regard. I am sure had I stayed at home none of these would have been possible. I look back at my time here and sometimes I feel as if I have accomplished nothing, but then I remember the things I have attached to my name, and I remember that I have accomplished far more than I ever expected. It hasn't all completely me quite yet, and I was hoping writing this would help, but none the less, in 8 days, I will be able to add two more things to my name... SBCC alumnus and Marketing AA receiver.