closing the box

This past weekend I continued my productive packing streak and tackled the bins under my bed. I went through all the bins and packed the things I won't need anytime in the near future (i.e.- graduation cards, old school projects, work training books, my AP Calculus test prep book, etc.) in boxes. I decided to pack some of the things I'm taking with me in the now available plastic bins (i.e.- books, loose leaf paper, potentially useful old essays, etc.). It was actually really fun to go through all that stuff and experience that nostalgic flood of memories. I found writing portfolios from freshman year, an old 8th grade project, and old photos from my 15th birthday party. This cleaning out/packing endeavor needn't have taken all afternoon, but with the detours down memory lane, I was cloistered in my room for a good few hours.

It was weird boxing up all that school memorabilia, but what was probably most strange for me was boxing up all my graduation stuff. I think this was so weird for me because graduation wasn't that long ago; it seems like forever ago, but it only in May. I put my plaques, graduation cards, tassel, and jacket letters all into a box and I felt weird putting the lid on top. I didn't quite feel ready to box up all the graduation stuff; I know I won't need it and it won't be adding to my dorm decor, but all the same, it felt like I was instigating the definite close of the only chapter thus far of my life. It's an emotion combining post-high school excitement, anxious uncertainty, and childhood nostagia. In a month I'll be beginning the second phase of my life; this new beginning is also a strange feeling because all I've known thus far is the cocoon of public education and the safe haven of living at home. I'm so excited for college and all that entails, but it is such a bittersweet feeling.

I expect to feel more of the same emotions in the next few weeks as I pack more and see off my friends, so I'll let you know how it all goes!