Skype.

I've grown to be grateful for the simplest of things. Going away to college has certainly humbled me and made me realize what matters most. And after moving into an apartment, I've certainly learned how much I have to be thankful for at home. 

I'm sure that this will only continue as I grow older and experience all of the changes that are to come. 

Perhaps what I am most thankful for, however, is Skype. Modern technology has given us the ability to traverse great distances through a computer screen, or even from the convenience of our smart phones. 

I honestly don't think that I could have stayed in New York without Skype. Of course, I couldn't have stayed in New York for countless reasons--I couldn't have stayed if I didn't meet the friends that I have made, if I didn't feel so comfortable at my campus... the list goes on. 

Of course, Skype isn't the same as seeing someone face-to-face. And I don't think any technology, no matter how sophisticated, will ever replace that kind of contact. Yet Skype is the next best thing. One of my favorite feelings is the one that rushes over me when I see a loved one's face pop up on my screen as my computer starts ringing, begging to be answered. 

It is so comforting to be able to talk to someone from home, and to be reminded of that connection that you hold so dearly. It's easy to get caught up in the stresses of day-to-day life, and forget about what you have that may be far away physically, but is so close in your heart. 

Skype is like a little window to a world that you have left behind, but will one day return to again. It makes life that much more bearable. It's easy to wish away life, to become excited as you get another day closer to going home (or whatever you're looking forward to). 

Yet I hate wishing away these days. I will never be this young again, or in this exact situation again. After all, what other time in life will I be able to live in an apartment just outside New York City with some of my closest friends as my roommates? When will I have the opportunity to work for virtually any media outlet that I want merely because I live within 30 minutes of the media capital of the world? 

I am so blessed, and yet I still find myself wishing away the days. While what I have waiting for me back in California may be worth counting down these days, I also desperately wish to enjoy the present. 

So in the meantime, I am grateful for Skype. I look forward to the future, but I also cling to the present. Thank goodness for technology. 

Alone time.

One thing that I am constantly working on is being alone. In college, it can be easy to fall prey to the worry that if you're not with friends at all times, there's something wrong with you. I've heard stories from my friends (and I must admit, I have done it too) that they would rather stay in their room starving instead of picking up dinner alone. 

At home, it's so much easier for me to feel okay with curling up with a good book and a blanket for the entirety of an afternoon. Yet in college, spending a few hours alone leads to worries that you're missing out. It leads to feelings of uncertainty, and painful pangs of homesickness. 

I fell prey to these feelings all too frequently my freshman year. At my college, students typically live close by, which means that they go home often. I found myself many a weekend with only one or two roommates instead of the usual nine that I had my first year. 

Yet it was this alone time that led me to step outside my comfort zone my freshman year. I got involved with new organizations, and made many more friends. Essentially, finding myself alone led me to find myself surrounded by friends at all times. 

As I've grown older, however, I've also grown to appreciate my alone time. I appreciate having the time and space to simply sit and think. I appreciate stumbling across new places on my past commutes home from New York City--they're like my own secret treasures. 

Being alone doesn't bother me as much as it used to. And I know that it's only going to feel more natural with time. 

Sometimes, all you need is to sit back, take a deep breath and enjoy your own company.

//image via Lara Casey