Everyone has high hopes for college. They hope to make friends. They hope to get good grades. They hope to have fun. Most students don't think to hope that they'll like the college to which they go. I was one of those students. I thought that if it had my major and I got in, then I would be guaranteed to like it. I knew colleges were different, but I never really thought they'd be so different that you could like one and hate another. It's a fact that no one really mentioned to me.

When I chose to transfer my first time, after only a semester, there was no doubt in my mind that I was making the right choice. I loved my roommate, and the three other friends I had managed to make, but that was about it. I couldn't stand being four hours away from my family. I hated that my college was basically in the middle of nowhere and that there was nothing to do. I hated the parties that occurred every night, and the resulting drunk people every day. After only a month, I called home one night and burst into tears because I couldn't take it anymore. I had never felt so alone. I needed to know that I could get out after the semester ended. Thankfully, my parents were more than supportive. I looked into other colleges, visited and loved the campus, and next semester I found myself at another college. I thought I was finally were I belonged.

Don't get me wrong, I love my current college. There aren't parties every night, there are more like-minded people and I'm comfortable there. I should be happy. The problem isn't my happiness anymore, it's my future. I've come to realize that my education isn't as great as it could be, and I could end up paying the price for that later on in my future. I can't afford to place my future in jeopardy, just because I'm simply comfortable with where I am. Life is about chances, and reaching beyond the comfort zone, and that's what I'm realizing. Some people can't understand why I'm transferring right before my junior year. I'm half-way done with college and where I am isn't that bad. Well, not that bad isn't what I'm looking for. I'm looking for a perfect fit and that's what I intend to find. That's my right.

So, for those people out there who are transferring for a first, or even second time—hang in there! I can guarantee that while it may be hard now, it will be worth it. You'll find happiness. You'll find success. You'll find a place that can fulfill all the other longings you had for college. I made my first transfer for my happiness. I'm making my second one for my future. Find your reason for transferring and hold on to it because that's what will get you through. College may not be going as planned, but every road has a few twists and turns and that's all that transferring is. You'll still get to where you're going, just with a different route. So good luck, and I hope that you find what you're looking for!