It’s been around eight months since Brooke Estridge, Alpha Xi Delta alum, moved to Lakeland, Florida, for the opportunity of a lifetime, leaving behind her sorority sisters who had become her best friends at Kent State.

Estridge graduated with a Bachelor of Science last spring from Kent State, with a job teaching middle school social studies already lined up for the fall season. Traveling alone far from her forever friends and moving to a different state was not only terrifying but felt exciting to start her life. 

Making the transition from living in her house with sorority sisters at Kent State, to renting a one-bedroom apartment in a new state, Estridge said she felt nervous to live by herself for the first time. Merryl Gee, author of “Tips for First Time Movers” said, “Homesickness, loneliness, stress and anxiety are all common feelings that may come up during your transition to independence. Even the happiest and most confident young people can struggle.”

“Living in a state where it snows one day and can be warm the next is all I’ve only ever known. I thought that moving to Florida the first year after I graduated college would be a great experience and because I knew I’d constantly love being in the sun,” Estridge said.

Family and friends are everything to her and this would be the first time she was going to be away from them. Estridge said she was ready to live on her own and be independent; that’s why she chose to chase her dreams by taking a risk and trying something new.

Benefits from an article on how to cope moving away from your family, says “your family [and friends [are] like a comfort blanket, and now that you’ve had to let go of this, it’s a chance for you to grow more as your own person.” 

Estridge knew she had to keep in contact with her sisters and maintain those friendships that were made over four years. 

One sister she keeps in touch with, is her closest friend in their sorority, Alyssa Rogers, who also graduated last spring. 

“Our friendship really started when we both lived in a house together full of us sorority sisters,” Rogers said. “Brooke and I told each other that we would FaceTime and text to catch up with one another after we graduate, and I know that we’ll stay in each other’s lives for a long time.”

Estridge said what she misses most about AXID and her roommates are all of the little things, such as seeing her sisters at Dunkin’ or Target and having the group chat constantly going off all hours of the day.

“I genuinely dislike being so far away from all my loved ones. But I’m very thankful technology allows me to stay connected with everyone, but it’s not the same as being with them,” Estridge said.

Staying connected with her friends and family is easier because of social media and FaceTime, but the distance can easily take a toll when you live over thousands of miles away.

Estridge stated that she dislikes being so far away from all of her loved ones, but is thankful for technology, which allows her to stay connected with everyone.

Jennifer Lasik covers relationships. Contact her at [email protected].