Choosing to take this semester off from school was a huge decision to make, and while ultimately, I think I made the right choice, there have been difficult aspects to it.  For the first time in my life, I no longer define myself as a student, and have had to reestablish myself in my own community, apart from my close friends.  Stripped completely of who I once was, I have been left with a chance to redefine myself, and choose who I want to be.