Moving Away Narrative

“Mija,” Mama said in a concern voice. “Are you sure you want to leave that far away from home?”
“You know we can help you here and you can have your own car,” Papa added.
These words are still engraved in my mind reminding me that I could have stayed home but I didn’t and I don’t regret it. I call them every night and remind them that I’m having fun, enjoying the new experiences and that I will be home soon.
Coming from a close-knitted family, no one expected that I wouldn’t be here, sixteen hours away from home. They didn’t think that I was strong enough to go through this journey. They feared for my health, mentally and physically, but I always reassure them that I’m healthy and strong. The plan at first was to attend San Diego State University

I was afraid to wake up. I tried to force myself to keep my eyes shut so that I didn’t have to wake up to the reality of moving away. My mother walked into my room and woke me up like when I was a little girl. I was immediately transported to 4th grade when she was softly singing, “Mi princesita tiempo de levantarte” (my princess time to wake up). I could feel the tears rushing down my face and a punch in my stomach. I felt weak and couldn’t manage to get myself out of bed; my eyes refused to open wide since they had only been shut for a couple of minutes. My mom could smell my fear and lack of motivation I had so she got closer and gave me a tight hug. I didn’t want her to let go. I wanted her to tell me it was a dream and that it was time to get ready for elementary school instead of college. I was very excited to be going to college, I just didn’t want it to be as far as it was from my parents. I quickly wiped down the tears from my face and began to get ready. I tried to elongate the process of getting ready and took what appeared to be ages to make my bed. My Tia Toña always reminded me that I had to do my bed before leaving so my angel would follow me around everywhere and protect me and this time I really did need it. I carefully laid my covers on my mattress as I wished that I could hide under them, but I couldn’t. The time had finally come. I carried my bags on my shoulders and dragged my

My sister was over the change of weather every other hour she would change from pants to shorts, and shorts to pants. She was ready to arrive but I was nervous. We had thirty minutes left to arrive at Humboldt State University and that’s when my panicking began. Everything became real. I was going to have to become a real adult. I was terrified, anxious, worried and just wanted to go back home and roll up into a little ball in bed. I kept imagining the worst scenarios in my head. What if I get super sick? What if I hate the food? What if I hate my living situation? I would also start to imagine how life back at home would be without me. Thankfully my mom grabbed my hand and hold me tight as we entered the school’s campus. Before my family left my younger sister handed me two rocks. One represented my past; it was rough, rocky, with lots of bumps, and the other one was smooth and beautiful. She said, “You will like it here and you will grow up and do great things. I’m sure of it.” With watery eyes she gave me a big hug before they had to get ready to leave. I walked them out and began to get sad once they drove away. I quickly walked to my room and let my tears