Getting out of my hometown changed my life
Start writing a post
Life Stages

Getting Out Of My Hometown For College Was The Best Decision Ever

...and why you should do it too!

91
girl looking back

I grew up in the suburbs of North Carolina where people never missed a game-day and tailgating beforehand with burgers and booze was a mandatory part of any weekend. Kids my age idolized the schools their parents went to and they couldn't wait to be a legacy in their mom's sorority, wear that Carolina blue and room with their high school BFFs.

My sophomore year of high school, my family and I moved away from the hometown pride that was our southern suburb to pursue a life in the Caribbean. I finished my last to years of high school in my new home that was the Cayman Islands and when it came to apply to colleges, I thought that going back to the Carolinas would make the college transition easier for me because I had lived there before.

(Pro tip- do not choose a college based on the fear of a rough transition or being reliant on the comfort of familiarity.)

When I was around 14 years old, I thought that UCLA was the school for me. I thought living in LA would be totally cool and I loved the merging of the mountains, city and beach that California had to offer. However, as I progressed in high school, I had to become more realistic. I had to really think about schools that I could excel at, afford, and of course, get into. This is where I crept back to the idea of going back to the south because it seemed the most practical.

Now this isn't meant to make people feel down about staying in their hometowns for college because I know a lot of people that chose to do that and are thriving at their schools. There's also other factors to be taken into consideration such as the absolutely insane tuition costs. This is about me throwing my self outside of my comfort zone, accepting the challenge, and finding my way through my new, unpredictable, exciting life that is college.

I ultimately went back to what my 14-year-old self wanted, which was to venture out west. While I didn't quite reach California, I am ecstatic with my choice to attend the University of Colorado Boulder. The last year was filled with meeting people from all over the country with the same urge to venture out of their home state and start somewhere fresh. I also had a completely random roommate selection, which was definitely scary, but I ended up meeting some amazing people through my residential hall that will be lifelong friends of mine.

If I could tell high school seniors one thing it would be to get out of your hometown and away from the people you've gone to school with since you were a kid. Your high school friends will always be there when you go home to visit, and catching up over your crazy college stories will be a blast. Take a risk with a random roommate- you could end up being best friends with them or like in my case, have some funny stories to tell your kids one day.

Getting out of my hometown gave my dad a new football team to root for, a new and beautiful place to show off to my friends and family when they come to visit, and most importantly, it proved to myself that there is beauty in change, hope in adventure and love in getting lost.

So, if you have the opportunity, I beg of you, GTFO! You'll meet new people, have unique experiences and build an individual journey that doesn't parallel your graduating class'. College is all about taking risks and being bold, and it all starts with where you choose to go.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52326
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33619
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956399
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181263
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments