Any chance to get away from the freezing cold of New Jersey already had my eye. I knew that the further south I traveled, the warmer it would be year round. Going to college in south Florida would be a 1,235 mile difference. The scariest thing for me was knowing that if I became homesick, I would not be able to simply drive home for the weekend, like I would be able to if I went to Temple, Drexel, Seton Hall or even Penn State. And a last minute flight was not in my budget. This would be a major decision. But it all worked out:

1. I've made friends from many different states that all share the same commonality as me: to escape the cold.

2. I can go to Miami any weekend. Sure, I could go to New York City back home, but in the dead of winter, NYC was not an ideal trip I would've wanted to make.

3. I have experienced a culture that is completely different than I am used to. Sure, the pizza is weird and there is not a good bagel in sight, but I have learned to love so many different things, like seeing a palm tree every day.

4. Palm trees.

5. Watching Snapchat stories of high school friends in the snow makes me laugh. Be prepared for that reply of my toes in the sand with the temperature on the picture.

6. I've learned to be a defensive driver. Some of my Midwestern friends get a little scared when my true Jersey road rage comes out.

7. Trying new things goes to a whole new level when you have to find places you like to eat, go out and even just have a chill place to go.

Overall, going to Florida was by far the best decision I've ever made. What's yours?