Not once in my two short years in college have I ever regretted going to school out of state. At the time, it was a difficult decision to get up and leave my incredible friends and family, However, the advantages defiantly outweigh the disadvantages and here's a few of them I would like to share.
1. It's basically a second chance. You get to be who you want to be, and live the way you want to live, all without a reputation on the line or a care in the world about what anyone else thinks about you upon arrival. Why? Because odds are no one knows you yet…
2. Traveling. Nothing beats the holidays at home or weekend trips to see the family and indulge in home cooked meals, and I'll be the first one to tell you that! However, there is something special about spending a weekend away from school with a family from a state you've never been to. Whether it is road tripping or taking a flight, there is an opportunity to experience life fully with the person whom you are traveling with, or with the people waiting for you at upon arrival at the destination of your choice.
3. Going to school out of state also makes you appreciate going home even more. Few things make you happier than knowing you will soon be in the comforts of your own home simply because it is such a rarity. You value the time spent with your family members more, and do anything possible to make it home and see them, thus strengthening the bonds between sisters and brothers, along with mother and father and child in the long run. You even discover a greater love and appreciation for your pets, as you are only able to talk to them over FaceTime, yet they have absolutely no idea what is going on.
4. The diversified groups of people you meet are irreplaceable. We can all appreciate our hometown friends, the ones who have stuck with us since the beginning and will continue to do so for ages to come, BUT, going to a school where you know no one and are forced to break out of your shell is seriously life changing. I can't help but to feel sorry for those people who do not get the opportunity to do this or simply choose not to because it's comfortable to go to a school in state where half your graduating class will also attend. Branch out people! Now is the time to do so!! These fresh faces have far more to offer than you could ever imagine. Some may become your bridesmaids or even future husbands or wives.
5. The culture is generally very different. I know for a fact that there's no place like Houston, Texas, and that goes for just about anyone from the different regions of the country. Once you leave your hometown and immerse yourself in the culture of another state, you will soon take on their wacky traditions and reputations, and have no shame in doing so. You might even discover a new favorite food, although you'll always crave the long-time favorites from home.
6. The little things that you once overlooked from back home are way cooler now. It doesn't take much time to realize that where you were from was actually pretty awesome. You look forward to friends from college coming to visit you in YOUR state, and wish to show them all around the town you once took for granted.
