Your house looks like a warehouse for Bed Bath & Beyond, you have enough clothes to dress a small nation, and anxiety is building up inside you. Mixed emotions inundate your soul and you hope you will acclimate instantly. You’re scrambling through thousands of articles, seeking that syllabus you received two months ago, but to no avail. Will people like you? What are your professors going to be like? How will you make friends in such a diverse environment? You’re laying your head on your pillow, asking yourself all these questions. What crazy, life-altering event can possibly be making you think these thoughts? There can only be one: You’re going away to college. To think, just four years ago, only about 1,500 days ago, you were walking into the hallway of your local high school for the first time, and now, you are entering the dormitory of your college. Crazy. Fear not, young grasshoppers.
Fortunately, I was in this same position, last year. From both my great and my less-than-mediocre experiences, I have come to the conclusion that going away to school is a blessing. While the complete list is endless, I have compiled below five prominent reasons as to why going away to school is one of the greatest decisions I have made.
1. Freedom
While I wouldn’t be able to live without my parents, going away to college has taught me the value of freedom. Freedom, personally defined as making my own decisions whenever and wherever I want, is definitely important in the process of maturing and growing into a responsible adult. While the majority of us make mistakes, we always learn from them.
2. Prioritizing
While that frat party sounds like the place to be, going away has taught me the value and essence of time. I have learned that there are certain things that simply NEED to be done. In high school, I was the epitome of a procrastinator. In college, there aren’t homeroom periods, so getting things done in a timely manner is all on you.
3. Social
My high school self was the definition of awkward. Fortunately, college thrives on diversity, so when you’re stuck with people for a long period of time, you grow to love them. When I met my neighbors in college, I fell in love. Sadly, that doesn’t happen for all, but do not fret; you are bound to eventually find “your squad.
4. Education
PLOT TWIST: You actually have to study in college. I know it sounds like a crazy concept, but good study habits are crucial now. I’m talking flash cards, solid notes, and days dedicated solely to absorbing material. While I always had an above decent GPA in high school, it was chiefly based on luck and memorization. College has molded my study habits from non-existent to just above the mediocre line.
5. Finding oneself
Lastly, and most importantly, college enables an individual to find him or herself. Through the people you meet, the classes you choose and the activities you engage in, these tiny steps allow you to find yourself. Each engagement in college is a representation of your character and your passions will shine through the more you get involved. Always remember to stay true to yourself and to love yourself.
Although not everyone has the resources to go away to school, if you do, do yourself the favor and go for it. Give it a try and you can always transfer. Looking back, I wouldn’t change my decision for the world!
**Bonus- PEOPLE REALIZE YOU'RE AWESOME AND ALWAYS MISS YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL!**
