The time has finally come to submit college applications to the college of your dreams. Although it seems crazy that two years ago my life was completely different, being a clueless high school senior in a little town in New Jersey, I am now at my dream school! Go Gators! When telling others I wanted to go to the South for school they thought I was crazy. Most of my classmates decided to stay up North where they felt more "comfortable", where there were four seasons, and they simply wanted to be closer to home. I, however, decided to go to my dream school…800 miles from my best friends.

Moving can be scary, but a new state means new adventures! Although staying home is great because it's comfortable and you know your surrounds, there's something exciting about going to school somewhere else! From New Jersey to Florida, there are an exponential amount of differences. Who would have thought that I could take weekend trips to Walt Disney World and Tampa, and be able to go to the beach in the middle of October?! Although I miss out on the nice fall weather and leaves falling, I love the new adventures that I have here! Being in a new environment can be scary, but it helps you see and find new experiences and broadens your horizons! It's important to branch out and try new things!

Finding a new gal gang so far from home can be intimidating, but trust me, these girls will be in your life forever. Greek life is very common at Southern schools, one factor being that you immediately have 200+ best friends! Greek life comes with so many opportunities to try new things and get involved more on campus! Being from a small town, I never saw myself joining a sorority because of some stereotypes associated with them, girls being "fake". What I didn't know was how much it would change my life. My sorority has not only given me my best friends and future roomie, it taught me about female empowerment and girl power! Finding a new home away from home is just what I was looking for coming from out of state.

All in all, go to the school that you love! Although it may be hundreds of miles from home, take that leap of faith! I was terrified not knowing anyone or anything about Florida. Now I consider it my second home and couldn't imagine myself anywhere else! Taking the jump is nerve-wracking, but the new adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. Trying new things and jumping out of your comfort zone could be just what you needed!