solumchild

Are you taking finals at UCF?

Buck up, little hero. I'm going to try to offer some advice, but to do so I'll have to assume a few things. Please forgive me if my assumptions are incorrect and I end up looking like an asshole or something.

First off, let me confess that I look at life as one long learning experience. Hopefully, that will help you understand where I'm coming from and ease the brunt of some of my statements.

Sure, being alone after a relationship of any length is hard. But that's really only because it's hard to let go of a set way of living. In this case, you've had this guy as a supporting column to your spiritual... well, temple (my analogy's need work). You've obviously spent a long time with this guy. And any change, relationship-wise or otherwise, is scary.
You're still young and have an entire liftetime ahead of you. Five years ago, both of you were what? Fourteen? Think about the reasons you entered into the relationship. With most teenagers, relationships are caused by need not want. (The need for a kindred friend to help fight off the world because, at that time more than ever, you feel alone; I hope that makes sense.)
Are you still the same person now that you were then? Of course not. You've learned and grown. Your needs and wants have changed, most likely. And with that growth, you and your ex-boyfriend apparently started traveling down different paths. This is normal. And even if you hadn't ended it when you did, think about ten years from now. Your ideals will be radically different in comparison to you now and five years ago. ESPECIALLY in comparison to you five years ago.
Use this period to contemplate what makes you happy and what you're looking for in a mate. You might be surprised with what you come up with. (I know I was a little surprised when I figured out what I was looking for.) Also, try to keep in mind that the characteristics that appeal to you might change over time. Sorry - I know I'm pretty much asking you to predict the future, which is impossible, but it can't hurt to try, right?
Yeah, we would all like to live the "childhood sweetheart evolving into lifetime romance" fantasy. But, honestly, how boring is that? Think of all the people you've been involved with in your life so far (romantically and platonically). How have they influenced you? Now try to imagine that, for the rest of your life, you're with this guy. Don't you think it would limit you in terms of being exposed to new influences? After all, your friends and lovers affect you in different ways.

So let me be the first to congratulate you: You're beginning a new journey which will help form you into the best you imaginable.
Just as there will be ups, there will be downs, sure. But the only way you can truly be defeated is if you allow yourself to cease motion. Only motion can bring life. If you stand still, you'll stagnate.

Use the past to influence you, not define you. (Now I know that doesn't make much sense, but I can't think of a better way to phrase it. Sorry.)

And if you ever want to yell at someone, I have a thick hide. Just click on my name and leave a message in my journal. Or if you do it in yours, I'll try my best to stop by regularly. (My name changes a lot, though, so if you want to add me to your friend list, feel free.)