Some of us admit it, some don't, but when someone asks if you chose a school because it's so far from home, you know it's at least partially true.
When I chose to apply to Ohio State, it was because I saw it at the top of a list for something I wanted my future school to have. That's irrelevant now, but that's how I ended up here. Big 10 schools are great, and my other option, which just joined the Big 10, was 45 minutes from home. My mother was disappointed, but I couldn't see myself happy there and chose the school that's over eight hours away. I was young and just want to be wild and free, as the song goes. I couldn't see freedom living so close to home. I just happened to fall in love with Ohio State, so the distance was an added bonus. After a year of living so far away, I see my blindness.
Why is it so hard to go to school eight and a half hours away from home?
1. You have two long road trips a year, when you're stuck in the car with your family. You just want to sleep but your mom wants to savor the moments before you're gone or hear all about your school year.
2. People say "pop" in stead of "soda," "you're fine" instead of "it's okay" and multiple other regional phrases. I find myself saying, "you're fine," but I will never call soda, "pop." There is a short adjustment period.
3. Your mom can't send her homemade cookies that you love so much in the mail because they'll be moldy or stale before they reach you.
4. You can't have her delicious meatloaf because one weekend is too short to drive home, spend time with family, and make it back in time for Monday's 9 a.m.
5. Carpooling home for break doesn't happen because none of your friends live close enough to drive with you.
6. You're bound to have delays and layovers for both your Thanksgiving and Winter break flights home.
7. Speaking of Thanksgiving, you miss your freshman year Mirror Lake Jump because your parents scheduled your flight home for the night before the jump.
8. You left something at home that would be great attire for a certain party theme, but there's no way it will get to you by Friday without $25 overnight shipping.
9. Most of your high school friends are close(er) to home and constantly visit each other during the year. You could never do that because of money and time.
10. Your college friends get a chance to see each other during the summer. They say they'll visit, but you know it's not going to happen. However, they are more excited to see you come August.
There are so many reasons to complain about the distance, but I would make the same choice given a second chance. It makes you step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. The biggest question you find yourself asking after your four, or five, years have ended is, "Once I graduate, do I stay near my favorite university or move back to my hometown?"
