The thought of going to college is scary, but the thought of moving away to a new town or state for college can be terrifying for some people. I always knew that I wanted to get out of the town I grew up in. I have always wanted to get out and experience new things, and meet new people. Although I love my family and my friends from home, and I miss them every day, I don’t have a single regret about moving all the way down to the opposite end of the state for college. Here are some of the reasons why.
1. I have learned so much about myself.
I have learned that I hate messes, that I don’t have to constantly stress over everything, and that coffee is the only reason why I am a functioning human being. I have even learned that the career path that I thought was right for me, really isn’t. Going away to college has given me the chance to really get to know myself. I have been put into different environments, and I have learned how to handle different situations. I would be a completely different person if I didn’t get out of my hometown and get the chance to truly get to know myself.
2. I have gained a lot of independence.
This past August, I moved into an apartment with my cat and one of my friends. I’ve learned how to be more responsible with my money, I’ve learned that cooking dinner is probably better for my health and my wallet than eating Taco Bell for dinner every night, and I’ve learned that staying out too late when I have a 9am class the next morning is a horrible idea. Going away to college, and actually moving away from my hometown, has given me the opportunity to learn a lot more about adulthood than I thought there was to it.
3. I have two places to call home.
I have been fortunate enough to find people to surround myself with that make me feel like I have a home away from home. I have met some of the best people throughout my three years of college. I have met some great friends, and I have been lucky enough to get an awesome job. When I am in my hometown, I can reminisce on all of my memories, but when I am in my new environment, I can look forward to the new memories that I have in store for me.
Going away to college and leaving home isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But by doing so, I have gained some irreplaceable life experiences. Although it is hard leaving your family and close friends, going away for college has left me with experiences that I would have never gotten if I would have stayed home. Although I have had my fair share of moments where I regretted going so far away, I always look back at the amazing memories I have made, and instantly remember that going away for college has been the best decision I have made so far.
