Masuk Free Press

The months of June through September are some of the most exciting months for recently graduated seniors. The anticipation of the new adventure that lie ahead of them is slowly building up until the time they leave for college. Family and friends swarm them with questions about the road ahead of them, and excitement is shared amongst everyone. But one major thing that is overlooked during this time is what is left behind, more importantly the people left behind. Siblings are separated for the first time in their lives and friends back home struggle to keep in touch with those at school. 

Strong friendships are formed between two people from different grades, while one is in college and the other in high school, they face the struggle of maintaining the connection because of the distance apart. While siblings are almost obligated to stay in touch, many people fear that friendships will fall apart after one has left for college.

Masuk sophomore Molly Kinahan said, “I was and still am afraid of losing them as a friend, we both have two very different lives now, it’s hard to keep in touch.”

Many people question how to stay in touch with a long distance friend. With any type of relationship communication is vital to keep the relationship afloat. Whether it is a friend leaving or a sibling, discussing what communication will look like while they are away can help to maintain your relationship. Additionally, continue to check in with each other on that plan, and adjust it when needed.

Masuk graduate Mia Briggs said, “Before I left I talked to a lot of my friends and decided to try to talk on the phone every week. Once I get all moved in, I plan to find a quiet spot where I can call my friends and update them on my life in college.” 

Some of the strongest relationships are between siblings, especially those close in age. No matter how many siblings are left in the house, there will always be a sense of emptiness in the household when one leaves for college. The leftover belongings collect dust in their childhood room, their spot at the dinner table remains vacant, and their voice fails to echo throughout the house. But what is left behind is a younger sibling who is faced with the challenge of navigating through life without their older sibling by their side.

Masuk Sophomore, Abby Yeager who recently had her older sister move out, noted, “I personally chose not to think about it, and I still refuse to think about it. I normally keep my emotions to myself.”

Not wanting to ruin the excitement for their older sibling, many younger siblings may choose to keep to themselves, which is why many people don’t realize or talk about how difficult it can be on a younger sibling or friend left behind because of college. Many feel guilty or stupid for feeling sad about someone leaving, but it is a very real challenge. 

Losing someone who was constantly in your life is no easy task. Especially when you don’t want to overshadow the excitement for that person. However, keeping your emotions to yourself will not help you to get through something like this. Even though the subject of being left behind is not talked about enough, there are many people that go through this every year, whether they lost a friend or a sibling.

Don’t feel ashamed to reach out to others, or even the person that is leaving. Don’t have the mentality that you are going to lose this person forever. Even though all the time people lose a friend/sibling, every year those people work through the distance to maintain their relationship. Put in your part to maintain it, and the other person will do the same. If you both care for and love each other, even though it won’t be the same as before, you both will find a way to work through the distance.

Lastly, remember to look forward to holidays and breaks when you’ll be able to see them, and soon enough they’ll be back for the summer. Change is something no one likes, but even if it seems impossible to navigate, there is always a bright side.