Everyone will deal with one at some point during their time in college. Whether it’s with a significant other, family members or even your dog, it’s important to find something to cope with while being away from those you care about.
You text, make phone calls and plan visits, but it’s not the same as being there. You find yourself daydreaming about being together, having fun and all of the good times you had in the past.
My long distance relationship this summer was with the city of Athens.
I know it seems weird. How can you have a long distance relationship with a city? But almost four months away from the people and places you love feels like an eternity.
Emilee Chinn | FOR THE POST
Although I enjoyed my summer making new friends in a new city, I found myself counting down the days until it was time to move in. I visited Athens with my friends a couple times during the summer, but it was so hard to leave after only a few days.
I soaked up as much as I could in those few days that I was in Athens. I went to my favorite Court Street bars, picked up some coffee from Brenan’s and relaxed at Strouds Run State Park. All too soon, I had to leave.
Now, it’s finally time to return to school. Never in my life did I think I would ever be excited to return back to school. My grade school self is wondering what is wrong with me.
I am excited for my classes as I go into senior year, but it is the people and places that I miss the most.
I miss being in walking distance of my friends every day. I miss morning runs on the bike trail along the Hocking River. I will even admit that I miss late nights at The Post a little bit.
Watching a lot my friends graduate last year, I began to feel nostalgic for my last year at Ohio University way before it even started.
I have my bucket list filled with all my lasts that I can experience in Athens. I am excited for what the year holds, but it will be filled with many lasts — last time walking up Jeff Hill, last time taking a class and last time living in Athens.
So while the summer long distance has been hard, it has made me excited for all the prospects this year holds.
I’ve learned a lot about myself during my three years at OU. I’ve made new friends and have so many different experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Going into senior year, I know I can just enjoy everything. I don’t find myself feeling nervous as the school year approaches.
Instead, I feel excitement just knowing it’s going to be a great year, and I plan to savor every moment with my friends and this town one last time.
Ellen Wagner is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Ellen at ew047615@ohio.edu or tweet her @ewagner19.