It's late in the afternoon, evening really, and I'm sitting at my desk in front of a window overlooking the expanse of forest in my backyard. Behind me is a dark hallway partially lit by the orange glow of a single night light. It's been a month since I've sat in this chair, wondering which move I should make next. Well, a month ago, I was sitting on the floor with three suitcases spread out around me. Shirts, pants, dresses, and underwear scattered around the floor. It's hard to imagine that, a month ago, I was so eager to leave Massachusetts in pursue of a newer and more exciting life. Now I sit here, curled up in my hot pink comforter, feeling homesick even though I'm at home. Tomorrow morning, I'll be on the Megabus going back to New York.

I want to say that I'm going home tomorrow, but, the truth is, I'm not really sure where my home is anymore. And suddenly it hits me that I haven't updated my DeviantART journal for a year. What have I been doing for the past twelve months? Stressing, crying, laughing, partying, loving, missing, forgiving. I'm no longer a high school student who relies on the shelter of my hometown. No, I'm a freshman at Barnard College, Columbia University. Seems like those hours pouring over homework paid off, right? Yeah, I guess.

How's this change going to affect my photography? Well, I'll still be taking photos in between partying in East Campus and furiously programming for my CS class. This year has been quite the adventure, but I'm ready to come back home to the DeviantART community. Oh right, now back to some math proofs.

<3 Lauren.