Everyone who graduates from high school and moves out of their family's home immediately goes through a reality shock. They are immediately confronted with the realization of their own personal identity. This idea can be a very exciting experience as the student no longer faces the stereotypes and reputation he or she might have obtained at home. This new-found reality however, can also be very intense depending on the reliance relationships with family and friends. Those of us who depended strongly upon our family unit tend to show a slump of what would appear to be depression when they enter an independent environment, as they are not used to being on their own. The idea that they are in a new place with new people scares them. When I first entered Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the idea of being on my own, with a fresh start was the best thing I could imagine. The idea came was before I arrived here, and left shortly after.
             When students first realize their identities are now in their hands, rather than those who gossip in high school, or the elders of the town who know their whole bloodline, many feel a sense of freedom not felt until that moment. They are no longer the daughter, niece, sister, or grandchild of someone known in their small town. The incoming freshmen are no longer labeled as they were in high school. While enjoying the college life, students no longer have to ask their parents permission to stay out later than curfew, can play "hooky" whenever they please, and do not answer to any rules but the basic regulations of campus living. Their decisions are not made by their parents and the fear of being grounded but on their morals, and sometimes the desire to fit in. Upon arriving at I.U.P., this was the most appealing aspect of the college experience until I realized all that I had taken for granted.
             When I was in high school, I knew many kids who packed thei
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