'I'm leaving behind..everything I've ever known.'

[Brighter.Tomorrow]

Wasn't sure if this should go here or WPR.

In January I'll be 18 and moving in with a friend in Alabama. I'll be on the outskirts of 3cities, have 2promised jobs, and they're gonna help with a downpayment on a car. It sounds really great, right? =D
Well...I thought so too. And still do, I'm very grateful.
But I'm nervous..and scared.
Never in my life, have I been where my closest friends and family aren't within walking distance. Among my friends and family I've always been the 'strong one,' there for advice, help, guiding hand. I've always dealt with my problems internally, writing, or by helping others. Being surrounded by my friends and family is what keeps me strong, I've never had the chance to be the weak one, or the one needing advice.
It terrifies me to think that I won't have them. Yeah, I'll have my cell and internet, but it's not the same.
I think about it, and I'm afraid that I'll fail. That I won't make it. That I won't be able to handle this on my own.
I really want this move, it holds so many more opportunities for me, but it scares me.
Admitting all of this I feel pathetic, I feel like I should be stronger than this.
But in the end, I'm not...

[The Chameleon]

It may be hard but always try to find the light in the tunnel

[Foamy]

You still have the friend that you're moving in with. Remember you aren't completely alone. You'll pull though. :)

[Guillermo]

I'd probably be a little nervous and scared too. I've never gone anywhere away from family and friends either. But you know, some part of me is ready to move out and open up a whole new chapter of my life. I'll bet you sorta feel the same way too, eh? Yeah, it will be different and scary not having your family and close friends, but it will be a whole new and awesome experience! You'll learn to live on your own (as in not being dependent on your parents) and care for yourself. And really, you'll be able to do more things and branch out more. Along with your 2 jobs you could find some groups or activities where you could help people in one of those three cities that you'll live close to. Be involved and make new friends. I'm sure that at your two jobs you'll make some friends. Have fun and go out with them.

And now, as for missing your family and friends, you will eventually learn to cope with this on your own. You see, once you establish your own life over there, you'll be busy and engaged in your own affairs. Now, that's not to say you won't miss your family and friends, but just know that you will have your own life and they'll have theirs; they'll be happy that you're making a living out in this world. You can still keep in touch with them, of course. I don't know know how far of a drive (or flight) it is from your current location to the place in Alabama, but I'm sure that you can make some time to visit them. Just be strong and even though you'll be leaving home, great experiences lie ahead of you. After all, every bird has got to leave the nest, right?

[Sleepy Raisin]

Ohhh yeah, i know im super nervous about leaving home in 3 years but if its something you really want to do, things WILL work out as long as you set your mind to it!

[jojorob]

Truth is good but knowlege is better so this is my advice to you your not going to fully get the full effect that you want its diffrent Really diffrent see if you cant get your freind or something to move in with you its better i bet

[runnerz]

I went through this last year. It won't be the same. That's a given because, even with phones and skype and such, there's no substitute for having people being with you and a part of your daily life.

That said, life is about moving on. Visit when you can, and be *especially* grateful that you have friend you are moving in with. Many people do not have this friend.

The main thing to do to ensure you're happy there is to develop a lifestyle and habits. What will you do on the weekends or in the evenings? Try to find more friends and events to do.