I love change. LOVE it. When I was a kid, I would rearrange my room, just to feel like something different and new was happening. My siblings and I would swap rooms every six months. I loved the start of the school year because everything was different. In college, it was amplified. I moved twice a year, rearranged my room whenever I wanted, then signed up for ever-changing activities around campus. 

Change does not come easily for most people. Whether it be life-altering, sudden or expected, change can be difficult. It ranges from moving to a new country or state, starting a new year at school, or beginning a new job. What remains the same is that change is inevitable and consistent. Yes, we can consistently count on change. 

If you’ve found yourself sweating at the mention of change, don’t worry! There are things you can do to make it a bit easier on yourself. Here are a few tips to help you better handle those moments when life alters. 

Over the past four years, I’ve gotten pretty good at packing. I can pack a 3-4 day bag in 5 minutes, sleep just about anywhere, and navigate I-69 like a pro. When I went to college, I don’t think I quite understood the kind of transitioning I would be doing. Moving in and out of dorms, being home for summers and breaks, and COVID-19 made transitions a regular thing. It wasn’t easy though. It took me 2 years to really feel like I had a solid community at college and then COVID-19 happened. Now, I have graduated and am ready to move to South Carolina, another transition. I will have to develop a new community, 11 hours from home. I’m exhausted with moving, but it’s good to embrace where you’re at, even in times of transition.