Moving away from my hometown to college was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Most people from my hometown choose to stay and attend a nearby college, but I just knew that was not for me. All I knew was that after my senior year of high school, I wanted to get as far away as possible. I’ve been away from home for two and a half years now, and all I can say is that it has benefited me in so many different ways. Not only am I more knowledgeable when it comes to the world and life, but I can now say that I can do almost everything on my own.

I am extremely grateful to have gotten the opportunity to attend a college far from my home. From that first time that your parents move you into your dorm and leave, it hits you all at once. You are actually starting college and you have to make the new surroundings normal. At first, I was actually really scared because I thought it was going to be hard to find a new friend group and adjust to a new school and city. Looking back from where I am now, I would not change any of the decisions that I made.

Moving to a new city and starting your first year at college forces you to venture out of your comfort zone. You have to be willing to talk to different people and I learned that it is okay to ask for help. After all, you are in a new area and surrounded by new people so if you don't choose to go for it and talk, then you're never going to know what might end up happening. You are in college for four or maybe even five years, so take initiative and be involved in things that you potentially could not be involved in after college. I joined a sorority my sophomore year, and that is also something else that has opened my eyes and given me numerous opportunities. There are so many different clubs and organizations that colleges offer that can provide students with so many opportunities.

I cannot stress enough at how much of a better person you will grow into if you venture out. You will become independent and open-minded. You get to choose who you want to surround yourself with and you will also learn to make connections with people for after college. You will begin to rely on and trust yourself since you are far from home. So if you are currently in your junior and senior year of high school trying to decide if you want to move away from home, I say do it. Meet new people, try new things, make mistakes, find what you love, and most importantly, enjoy your four years away at college because they surely will be the greatest.