College Bound 2012 -- Independence Day
By Elizabeth Horner 

It’s the 4th of July --- Time to celebrate.  We rejoice over this glorious freedom we now enjoy. In a few months, I will be facing my own, more personal Independence Day. 

After years of waiting to be eighteen, the occasion is finally here. I will be heading off to college. Not only that, I will be embarking to see how it is like to live in a different country, a different culture, as part of my studies at New York University’s Liberal Arts Core - Global Program. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about my fast approaching day of total self-determination, self-regulation, self-government --- indeed my very autonomous lifestyle.  All the supports I have known my entire life will be pulled out from under me, well maybe not totally as I know my family, friends and mentors will be there if I ask for help. 

This reminds me of the other cause that our Patriots fought and died for, the virtue that we should hail with each burst of fireworks and bite of hot-dog on a sticky summer evening --- that the freedom we have been endowed with comes with responsibility otherwise this liberty will turn into chaos. And chaos is unsustainable. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and so many others tried to pull us from the fever of the Revolutionary War, and back into order. A new government was formed under rules that they believed to be important. 

I don’t see college as a time for me to enjoy wild parties and pushing the limits until things shatter--- but the natural development of my own belief systems and discovering the boundaries of my own mind. I need to prove that I am worthy of that freedom I have been given. 

Centuries have passed since our forefathers declared their independence from Britain. Although much has changed since that time, for college bound students, our eagerness to taste freedom is not one of them.  While we now have the right to make our own choices and--- more notably--- our own mistakes --- I hope nobody jumps off without that parachute or bungee chords to ensure that we land on our two feet. 

Before I take my plunge, I want to assure the people that have been there for me all these years and watched me grow, that I am putting in that backpack all the life lessons you have taught me in preparation for this day to ensure that my dreams materialize. This is not a goodbye.  I’m just continuing in my life’s journey.  And as I face those unique challenges in the places and cyber spaces that destiny has in store for me, I’ll be sure to apply and pass on those teachings I’ve learned from you.