"Why do you go to school all the way in Tampa? Especially for something that you can do pretty much anywhere?" Well, the answer that I give to that question is usually a "...because it's TAMPA," accompanied by an awkward chuckle. I know that it's more of a question people ask to act interested if they actually aren't really taken aback by it, but I always figure the answer is obvious. Why would I spend all that money to go somewhere boring?

I understand that going out of state comes with its own costs and can seem expensive, but believe it or not, it might not be! Like many (most) college students, I am in debt, but why wouldn't I want to be in the same (or smaller) amount of debt on the sunny beaches of Florida? Can't think of a reason? Exactly.

If people actually express interest in my choice of school and ask more questions about why I decided to move there, this is the response I always give:

"College is the only time in my life that I will be able to pack up and move anywhere I want without having to reconfigure my whole life, so why not?"

What is often overlooked by many people is the question of distance from home. Some people can't go 1500 miles away from their families, but for those of you who can, why wouldn't you? There is a whole world waiting out there, especially if you're from a small town like me. There is no better time in your life than now to discover what other parts of the country (and the world) have to offer!

I am a huge advocate for making drastic changes in your life. A friend of mine once said to me, "life begins outside of your comfort zone," and I am not sure who originally came up with that one, but I love it. It's completely true. I think the faster everyone realizes that there are more things out there to experience beyond where you grew up, the more open they would become.

The best part about leaving for school is that if you don't like it, you can find somewhere else you'd like to explore and transfer there! You're getting meaningful life experiences while earning a degree to put to use wherever the rest of your life takes you.

I have learned so much just from the past year of being by myself in a big city. I took a step and it paid off. I met some great people, had some great experiences, and I have found out a lot about myself. My best advice to anyone considering moving far away for school is to take the leap and do it. There isn't much to lose and once you find the right place, it will be 100 percent worth it.