The biggest turning point in my life so far was the day I left home to go to college. By the age of eighteen, I had never been away from my parents for more than two weeks. 16
When the day to pack my things came, I began to wonder if I had made the right decision. I tried to persuade myself with the thought that I was moving on to a better life but there was still a doubt in the back of my mind. Deep in my thoughts was that I was leaving all my friends behind. 17
18 I was sad, lonely and more terrified than I had ever been in my life. However, once I had been shown to my room and had met some of the other students, I began to feel a lot more positive. Within a few days, I was more comfortable in my new surroundings and all my doubts and fears disappeared. There were so many new things to experience and people to meet that I did not have time to be upset.
One of the main reasons why this was such an important change for me was that my life was taking a completely new direction. 19 However, I soon realized that I could manage them well.
20 Perhaps one of the lessons we should learn is how to turn those that are new to us to our best advantage.
A. People have to move on and there are always changes in our lives.
B. And it was with sadness that I made my way to the train station.
C. So I viewed my new independence with a mixture of worry and excitement.
D. By the time I arrived at my destination, I believed I had made a terrible mistake.
E. I felt in control for the first time and I was doing what I wanted.
F. There were some problems of looking after myself such as washing clothes, buying food, etc.
G. I’d been on holiday with some friends, so I cannot say I’d had the chance to get too worried about the move.