“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Although deciding to go to a school far away from my hometown was not an easy decision to make, I’m more than happy that I did. Being in a place where you know nobody at all, and where many things can be so different is terrifying. But going somewhere far away has really made me more open and adventurous, specifically towards trying new things. It opened me up to trying and doing things I never would have done if I were back home. Whether it be 50 miles or 1,000 miles, going out of your hometown can lead to so many great things and opportunities.

Being away from home has taught me to be more independent in many ways and I know that this has helped me grow as a person and will continue to do so. I am more independent simply because I have to be and I have gained so much confidence and independence because of it. I also know that this wouldn’t be possible without the support of my parents and in them being so encouraging and supportive in me going far away because they know that I will become a more independent and strong person because of it, and I know I already have. I have encountered responsibilities and have had to embrace them and I know these will help me in the future.

Meeting new people from all over the world, staying in dorms, having to meet all brand new people and making brand new friends has given me a true college experience that I wouldn’t take back for anything. It has given me a new perspective and a new place to get involved more quickly and deeply, mostly because getting involved is how you meet people and what better way to do that than to do things you enjoy together.

It’s nice to get a new start in a place where who you were before doesn’t matter and any reputation you had is now gone and you can have a fresh start. You can open up and be yourself with new people and experience so many new, different things. All these experiences are beyond anything you could learn in a classroom.

I will admit that going far away for college is not for everyone, nor is it possible for everyone. But I’m more than thankful for being able to go to the college that I go to. The people I’ve met and the things I have experienced have shown another side of me that I didn’t even know was there. Being 1,000 miles across the country opens you up to new people and gives you the experience of learning more about yourself and your life as well as how others live.