As college students, we're at the age when it's okay to be a little selfish. I'm not saying you need to be a jerk and act like a total diva 24/7, but it's okay to put yourself first in order to be happy. Because, like they say, at the end of the day, the only person you can truly rely on is yourself. And if this is really the case, you need to be the best version of yourself for yourself -- even if that means saying goodbye to certain chapters in your life.
After spending two years away from home at a college in a different part of my state, I decided that I need to be in a faster-paced, closer to home location. Making this decision was nearly impossible because there were so many pros and cons to both sides -- staying or going. I have incredible friends here at my school, and they're probably the reason that I ended up staying here this long. Leaving them will be sad and depressing, but I know that keeping in touch isn't as hard as it seems when you truly want to make the effort. This decision was my way of spreading my wings to fly, even more so than going away to college in the first place was. I've decided to put my own happiness first, even if that means leaving some amazing memories, friends and classmates behind.
My soul is craving change, new adventures and discovering the unknown, and that's okay. For a long time I was in denial. The idea of starting fresh, going off on my own without knowing anyone, and creating a new life at a different school was terrifying to me. Now, I'm more excited than I ever thought I would be. Although I am moving closer to home, where I am more familiar with the area, I'm still pumped to venture out of my comfort zone.
If I had waited another year, I never would have had the courage to make this change in my life. I would have stayed stuck in a place where I didn't feel like I was as happy as can be. Although I adore my school -- the professors, the friendly atmosphere, the beautiful campus, I've decided that it's time to say goodbye.
Just like when I graduated from high school, I'm left with a bittersweet feeling in the pit of my stomach. My memories that I have made here will be stored in a special place in my heart forever. Although I'm overwhelmingly ready for my next journey to begin, it'll be hard to say one last goodbye to this piece of my life.
If I've learned anything from this experience, it's that being real with yourself is most important. If you have true friends, they will always support your decisions, even if it means saying goodbye. Finding yourself in this part of your lifetime is crucial because before you know it, it'll be time to experience the real adult world. Make sure you're in a place that makes you happy, where you can shine to your full potential.
