“There’s no place like home.”
Amen to that, Dorothy.
Nothing will ever compare to sleeping in my own bed and eating home-cooked meals. Growing up, I was completely content with my hometown: even though it had its ups and downs. I was thankful for it’s shelter, love, and support. When I decided to move across the state for college, I was excited: I knew I was going to be experiencing a completely new living environment, and I was ready for it. But as school slowly crept up on my final month at home, I started to panic: Why did I ever think leaving was a good idea? What if I forget something? I’m not going to be able to come home on the weekends. I don’t know anyone and I’m going to be lost everywhere I go.
Moving. Away. Is. Terrifying.
But one year later, I look at it as one of my best decisions. Here’s five reasons why taking that leap of faith might change your life, too:
1. You need to meet new people. High school/hometown friends are so special. They’re the people who saw you grow and develop into the person you are today. They supported you, questioned you, challenged you, and molded you. But how are you supposed to continue growing if you don’t get to know anybody else? Your opinions need to be challenged; your perspectives need to be flipped upside down. Don’t ever forget about your people back home, but leave room to meet people who will challenge you to grow.
2. You need to explore. Everyone knows their hometown like the back of their hands; the best restaurants, the cool, hidden spots, etc. And while that Mexican place down the road is so bomb, you’re never going to experience anything new and exciting if you order the same chicken fajitas for the rest of your life. Whether it’s checking out the local coffee shops, walking around downtown, or even taking a drive, there are some pretty awesome things and places out there that are waiting to be explored.
3. You need to gain a better perspective. I had my mind made up on nearly everything before I moved. I knew what kind of people I wanted to meet, the things I wanted to get involved in, and what I wanted to learn. And guess what? Everything has taken a 180. Some of my best friends couldn’t be more different than me, my opinions are constantly changing on different issues, and I have absolutely no clue what I want to study in school: but it’s the best confusion. My mind and heart are both completely open, and I’m having fun struggling through it.
4. You need to learn to appreciate just how special home really is. Nothing beats my mom’s Mickey Mouse chocolate chip pancakes—and I appreciated them every time they were put in front of me. But when you stay in one place, some things become routine: of course my mom is at my volleyball game. Of course my dad cooked me dinner. Of course my stepparents drove an hour to be at my sports banquets. But when all of that is taken away from you, you start to realize just how much these people care; and how much it means to you. And now when I go home, I look at my bed that was already made with fresh sheets and that plate full of chocolate chip pancakes a little differently.
5. You need to find you. When I left my hometown, I thought I was confident in who I was and what I wanted to do. But in just one year, I’ve discovered so many passions that never would’ve surfaced if I hadn’t left—and I'm not even close to being done. I learn more about myself and the world with every new person I meet and every new place I travel to. Everyone deserves the opportunity to do the same.
There’s nothing wrong with settling. Finding where you’re supposed to be is probably an incredible feeling. And if you end up back in your hometown? That’s probably an incredible feeling, too. But never settle without listening to what the movie "Up" told us:
“Adventure is out there.”
Amen to that, Pixar.
