For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to go to an out-of-state school. Back then, I viewed it more as an adventure, a way to leave the place I have lived my whole life. I wanted new experiences and to meet new people. However, during junior and senior year I started to have second thoughts.

When the realization that college was just around the "corner," and not what felt like a lifetime away, it began to feel like making a big change and leaving my friends and family and the life I loved was a mistake. When senior year rolled around and people began committing to where they would spend the next four years of their lives, I began to feel even more doubtful of leaving what I loved behind. My hometown no longer seemed so dull and boring, and I began to think of all that would be changing.

Like many people, a change was scary, but it is so necessary.

I am so thankful to the people that gave me that little extra "push." If I would have stayed in state and gone to a college that most of my high school went to, I would have never have met so many new, amazing people. Going to a school not knowing anyone, has also given me a new sense of confidence.

I now know that no matter where I go, I'll be okay.

I have so many new, exciting opportunities that I would never have gotten if I didn't step out of my comfort zone. Going away from home also makes the time I do get to spend with my family and high school friends all that more special. I can definitely attest to the theory that in college you realize just how great your parents are.

Going away to out-of-state school was a big change, and although change can be scary, I am so glad I did.

Meeting some of my best friends, and having memories I will never forget make me so thankful I decided to do something out of my comfort zone.