Going away for school can be scary and very hard, but can also serve as one of the most beautiful lessons. You will discover parts of yourself that you never knew existed. Here are some things you will discover when you go away for school.
1. Sometimes a different state can seem like a different country.
Depending on where you ventured off to for college, the culture difference between there and home can be quite shocking. It proved to me how drastically different the mindset and culture can be from state to state or coast to coast. You realize just how big the world is when you realize where you ended up is no where near like your home.
2. Having absolutely no one know you is very bittersweet.
A fresh start, you can be anyone you want to be now. No one knows the embarrassing stories or your past mistakes, now you have a chance to start over. Knowing no one is quite exciting, but also one of the scariest things that you will have to go through. You must try and find out where you fit and find your place all over again. This is scary and not always easy, but what you learn from it, is worth it.
3. You took advantage of how simple life was back home.
Everything was ten times easier back home. You knew where everything was, and nothing took you by surprise. You complained about how boring it was and how badly you wanted to leave, but when you finally did get out, you realized how nice familiarity can be at times.
4. You also took advantage of your home town and its simple beauty.
You also would complain about boring and ugly things where in your hometown, but little did you know how simplicity is sometimes the most beautiful. You miss the sunsets and the way your town captures its own form of beauty. Now, when you do go back, you take everything in.
5. People aren't always going to be like the people you grew up with.
This you learn right away, especially if, like me, you went from the Midwest to the coast. A sheltered environment to a place where anything goes is something that can be overwhelming, but it is one of the coolest things that happens when you leave. Open-mindedness is so important, and I believe going to a place that is the opposite of what you’re used to, is so good for growth.
6. But you will meet the most interesting people.
People with stories that don’t even seem real, people with lives so intricate you could listen to them talk for hours, those are the people that make the shock worth it. People can be strange, and sometimes you realize you are one of them, and that’s pretty amazing too.
7. And you will see the most beautiful and exciting things.
The views, the new places, the land, the sky, and the buildings. They are all new to you and how amazing is that? You will be in awe of what you see everyday, and you can’t believe you are blessed enough to live in such a beautiful place.
8. No matter what, you will always miss home and your family.
This one hits harder than you would have ever expected. You didn’t realize how much you needed your mom, or how much you loved being with your dad. From going to seeing them every single day, to only seeing them every few months, can take its toll on your mental health. It gets easier though, and your time you do get with them, becomes all the more special.
9. Your high school friendships will strengthen through the distance.
This was one of the most interesting things to discover. I thought since I was moving across the country from my best friends, that I would lose them. To my pleasant surprise, it was the opposite. My friendships grew and strengthened in the most beautiful way. No matter what, I will always feel close to them.
10. You will realize how much leaving has helped you grow.
Did I grow more than I would have if I would have stayed? I am not sure, but I do know how much I have changed in the past year. The extremely hard times made me grow that much more, and I am extremely grateful for that.
