Picking a school to attend was not an easy task for me. I contemplated between many colleges and universities, and I was blessed to be able to choose where I wanted to attend. When I finally made my decision, I never thought that I would be transferring schools after one semester. I've learned more about myself this semester than any other time in my life.

I've learned that I didn't need to run away from my hometown. My hometown was always good to me, and most of the people were as well. I had some tough times with my peers, and neither middle school nor high school were super awesome for me. However, I had some awesome memories that I wouldn't trade for the world. I've had a wonderful life. My problem was with my past. I realized that I didn't need to run four hours away from my past when I've already conquered it.

I always knew that my love for my family was strong, but I begun to appreciate that even more now. Your life can be taken away in the blink of an eye. It's hard to always remember that when we're dealing with the hustle and bustle of school, work, the holidays, etc. I tend to lose sight of what's important. I think that I cherish my time with my loving family even more now. It's nice to know that your family is just around the corner, not halfway across the state.

I've realized that home truly is where the heart is. I've always loved visiting big cities or small towns. From other mountain ranges to beaches to cobblestone paths to busy NYC streets, I've loved it all. I thought that moving away to Murfreesboro, a town I knew next to nothing about that was 4 hours away from home, would be exciting. I expected to love (almost) every minute of it. But every day it got closer to move in day, I would get more and more upset. I found myself crying the whole way down on move in day. It's embarrassing, but I was upset almost all of band camp. Heck, I was upset basically the whole first month I attended MTSU. I just knew that something wasn't right. I never felt comfortable. After a whole semester, I just never settled in.

I realized that sometimes we have to make decisions just for ourselves. I've made many friends this semester, and I am so thankful for that. From the Band of Blue, to my music education friends, to my Odyssey writing team, to the friends that live in my dorm and my roommate, I've been blessed to have great friends helping me to cope away from home. I had a great experience in the MTSU Women's Chorale, Band of Blue, and I had a wonderful vocal coach. I made the Dean's List. I enjoyed being so close to Nashville. I had a good semester, I really did. But those feelings of sadness are feelings I never want to feel again. It's time to make a decision that will make me happier. It's time to move back home to East Tennessee.

I'm excited to say that I will be attending ETSU in the spring 2017 semester. This will be a relief for me, my family, and my bank account as well. I thank God for having the bravery to make this decision, and it is well with my soul. Peace out, Middle Tennessee.