This August will be my third move-in day, as I am about to be a junior in college. Looking back on the past two years I have been in school, I can see that I have grown and completely changed as a person. A lot of my growth is an outcome of the experiences I have had in my two years away– at a school that was simply not for me.

To my old school,

Where do I begin? Our two years together has been an experience I’ll never forget. We’ve had some good times and some bad times, but now it’s time for me to move on. I could say that it’s not you, it’s me, but the problem is with the both of us and it’s just not working out anymore.

Two years ago, I was an 18-year-old high school grad that was so ready and eager to experience you. I didn’t have a doubt in my mind that you weren’t the best choice for me. How could I have known? All I wanted was to dorm out of the house, five hours away from home, and to go somewhere I could go out, socialize, and meet new people. I was young and naïve, and I didn’t take the big picture into consideration when I met you.

I knew you had a reputation for a party culture, big sports games, and fun. That’s what 180year-old me wanted. Unfortunately, I outgrew you. I learned how to live on my own, be responsible for my classes and my finances and how to be and think like an adult in my fieldwork experiences. I have had good relationships and bad relationships, and they affected me in ways that I never thought I could be changed. These experiences have taught me to be a stronger person. I have grown into someone who prioritizes being prepared for the future. I’d rather have one true friendship than a million superficial ones.

They say that you go to college to learn academically, but the other lessons you learn while you’re there certainly change you as a person. My time with you has turned me into a person that does not need a school like you. I need a school that will encourage me to grow and question the world around me, rather than a school like you who simply focuses on partying and fitting in.

I tried to make it work between us. I joined some clubs, introduced myself to new people and really put myself out there. But it just wasn’t a good fit, and that’s OK. This experience has made me realize that sometimes you need to make an active decision and leave if you are not where you are supposed to be.

Yes, I will be back on my own and starting new again, but I am looking forward to it. I’m hoping to find a school that will be a better fit. One that will grow with me and raise me up to be the best that I can be. I hope that I will meet new people and join new groups through this school that will see my worth.

So, this is goodbye. Thank you for our time together. I will never forget you, but I am ready to move on.