College is a time where you are forced to grow up. People need to realize that growing up is not changing, it is becoming a more mature version of who you always were.

Going away for college is one of the greatest life experiences you can ask for. You get to learn not only in the classroom, but also about life and most importantly yourself. College is a time for you to grow as a person and become who you were always meant to be. Sometimes, when figuring out who you are, you also figure out who you are not anymore which can be the hardest part.

At first you may think going miles and miles away from home sounds like a terrible idea, but in the end it will all be worth it.

People who go away for college as opposed to staying home usually are able to learn more about life and himself. Being away for school distances you from all you ever knew-- your friends, family, town, and life. It gives you the greatest lessons that you cannot learn inside of a classroom.

Unfortunately, if you went away, you may miss holidays, birthdays, and other special events that are usually spent with your friends and family. That is okay, because your new friends are there to celebrate and make new memories with. You will quickly learn how friends truly do become family. First semester is your trial run of being an adult. Scary, right?

Whether it is making sure that you have food other than Ramen Noodles and Nutella in your pantry, knowing what medicine to get while you are sick, keeping a budget, or just venturing outside of campus these are the little things that help you grow and reclaim your independence. That first facetime call from your parents may set you back a few steps, but trust us, every call will get easier and easier.

So here’s to the ones who decided to take on that new adventure and step way outside of their comfort zones. The ones that realized it was okay that our parents weren’t there for every little problem we had to face. The ones that were confident enough to try new things, to be themselves, and to put themselves out there when it would’ve been easier to just go back home.

This one is for you.