I woke up in the middle of the night with sweaty palms and a racing heartbeat. The days had been numbered and now I only had one left to make my decision. I looked over at my clock and saw that I still had a few hours left to get some sleep, if that was even possible. The clock sat next to a pile of college papers that gave me an evil grin each and every time I looked at them. It just seemed as though I didn’t belong anywhere. But without too much thought I fell back asleep.

As the sun broke the horizon my alarm clock started ringing and I jerked awake. I could smell the delicious waffles cooking in the kitchen, but just at the thought of eating made my stomach turn. I got ready for yet another day of school as a senior, another tedious day of useless busy work that teachers gave at the end of the year to keep the students focused. I ran down the stairs and out the door, carefully avoiding eye contact with my parents. I couldn’t even look at them, so how was I supposed to tell them.

Ever since I could remember my parents had made every decision for me, from what classes I took in school to who became my friend. They had planned my entire life for me and that included the college I go to and the career I pursued. As I drove myself to school I thought about what I was going to say to them when I came home, and that is if I even wanted to say anything. I could always just follow the path that they had carved out for me, but I knew that I would regret it for the rest of my life if I did. Some kids had it so easy, their parents didn’t care about where their children went to college or if they attended college at all, but in my family it was different. I had never been able to deny anything my parents had set up for me, although I may have not agreed with what they said I just couldn’t get myself to do anything about it.
There was only one person in my life that knew all the struggles that I had been through and really understood me, my aunt. I always went to her for advice and I knew that she would always be there for me whenever I needed her. I told her about my college issue and where I really wanted to go to school. She heard my story from beginning to end and finally responded with three words: follow your heart. I had this talk with her a few days ago and invited her to dinner tonight for moral support as I told my parents my choice.
All day at school I wasn’t able to concentrate and I kept fidgeting with my pencil. At the end of the day, right as the bell rang, I sprinted to soccer practice. My friend Skylar met up with me on the field before practice began.

“Have you told your parents about the college yet, or is tonight going to be the big night?” asked Skylar tentatively. She wore a shy smile on her face as she spoke. She knew my story and even offered to help me tell my parents, but I told her I rather do it myself.
“Yeah, tonight’s the night. If I don’t do it tonight then I don’t think I ever will,” I said. I wish I weren’t true. I wish I could stop being such a coward and just flat out tell my parents, but facing their temper wasn’t always a fun idea.

“I know from this angle your decision looks like a big mean, scary monster but they are your parents and if they love you they will understand,” Skylar said “ I mean they only want the best for you and if you are happy with your college choice then they will accept it. You should just tell them as soon as you go home. Just do it, it will be okay, I promise.”

“Thanks, you always know what to say,” I said.

All throughout practice I planned my speech. I ran it through my head over and over again and made countless changes. Soon practice was over and I was headed to my house. As I drove my hands shook uncontrollably and I began to feel nauseous. I pulled into my driveway and walked into the house, almost falling over on the stairs. As I unlocked the door and went inside I sensed a sudden chill hanging in the air. Something was different. I went into the living room and noticed my mom and dad sitting on the couch, and in corner of the room sat my aunt. She was early, but I wasn’t sure why. Without questioning the eerie silence I bent down to put my bags on the carpeted floor and from the corner of my eyes I saw the papers from the two colleges laid side by side on the glass coffee table. I swallowed my anxiety and prepared myself for what was to come.

“So mom, dad I have something I want to talk to you about,” I said. I was shaking, my arms were trembling and my knees were buckling, I didn’t know how to go on. There were three pairs of eyes looking at me and I felt like I was about to start crying.

“We know,” said my mom “you don’t have to say anymore. We understand the decision you have made and we will support you with whatever you want to do in life.” She took my college papers and handed them to me.
Tears were rolling down her face and her eyes looked gentle. My parents didn’t look angry, they were happy for me. Skylar was right. I gave my parents a hug and as I looked over at my aunt who was peacefully sitting in the corner of the room I noticed she winked at me.