Analyzing the Author's Point of View

Read the following excerpt from a personal essay:

"Growing up in a small town, I often felt stifled by the expectations of my surroundings. Everyone seemed to adhere to a script, playing roles shaped by tradition and conformity. As I moved to the city for college, I anticipated a whirlwind of freedom and self-expression. What I discovered was that liberation is often accompanied by a profound sense of loss, as I grappled with leaving behind the familiarity of my hometown. My new life was exhilarating yet isolating, a paradox I struggled to navigate. It was a reminder that while I was free to be who I wanted, the ties to my past, whether they were rooted in nostalgia or obligation, were not easily severed."