I've officially lived away at college for almost a year now and looking back on my experiences, I've realized the perks and downfalls of going away to college and living on my own. When I was first shopping for the things I needed for college, I was shocked as to how much stuff I actually needed in order to live on my own. However, after being all moved in, I realized that living on my own is a lot of fun. Plus, taking classes that focus on my career made me even more excited about my future.

First is the obvious—my career. During my first semesters of college, I was allowed to go into the field and observe. Some people were shocked because they weren't able to have experience in their fields until their sophomore or junior year. Then, they either realized that the career choice doesn't suit them or their choice is confirmed. Also, it’s not the norm to do field experience your freshman year of college, let alone your first semester at college. When I found out, I was shocked and really nervous, too. However, being able to observe a classroom in my first semester not only confirmed my career choice but made me even more excited about it.

The next thing is that having my own dorm—although shared—has made me excited about getting my own house or apartment in the future. In college, I learned how much of things I use and how long I am able to use it until I run out. At home, it seems as if we run out of things more quickly. I have my own room at home, but it’s still not the same. One day, I’ll be completely on my own, and won't have to share simple things like shampoo or conditioner with the rest of my family. Not only that, this time, around I won’t have to share a bathroom with three other family members either.

Also, with having my own place, I’ll be able to furnish it and decorate it however I want, from the little things like coffee mugs and books to the big things like couches and tables. Everything will be all mine. I will have worked for it or gained it on my own. If I find something in the store that I wouldn't normally buy because, well, why would I need it? I can get it. With the job I have, I can start impulse buying rather than be the broke college student I currently am. Plus, I already have a lot of stuff. Once I have my own place, I can store it better rather than just throwing it in a drawer or the corner of my room.

Overall, being away at college has made me excited about my entire future. From the big things like having a career and getting married to the little things like cooking my own meals and being able to buy a pointless house plant.