| Time for you to set boundaries!
It's your life, you're in college, you need to attend to your studies. If you can't be bothered by your family, tell them not to bother you. You're not going to be living with them.
Bottom line, no matter where you go, you're *never* going to escape your family's problems. When you get to college, touch base with the counseling office there and make an appointment with a counselor. Let them know what's going on and say that you might need some help dealing with it at some point, setting boundaries and keeping *yourself* healthy.
Family problems are no fun. I think having extended family nearby is probably a good idea, because I think you'll find it nice to go over and visit with them occasionally, as a change of pace from college... just make sure that your limits are clear, and that they're not to come dropping by or calling you at all hours to tell you about this, that, or the other. It's not your job to take care of your mom and brother, it's not your job to listen to their concerns and worries, it's your job to pursue your studies.
I think it'll be okay! Just build up your resources at college. Make friends, get involved in activities on campus, get a support network in place with your new friends and RAs and the counseling center so they can be on standby if you need help with the situation, and do the whole college student thing. I don't think you're worrying for nothing, I think your concerns are definitely valid ones, but I think that if you go into the situation with confidence and ready to set limits on your family, you're going to really enjoy college. =)
Best of luck to you. |