Picking up and leaving a state you've lived in your whole life can be challenging, not to mention nerve wracking. Most people look at the negative side of things when faced with a drastic move, much like I did four years ago. I dreaded leaving everything I'd ever known behind-- my small hometown, my family, my friends, my school. I never even considered what new experiences could be awaiting me in my new life. The summer before my freshman year, I moped about the house, missing my old life. When school started, I was hesitant and shy, unsure of how I would fit in to this new and foreign place. I began closing myself off, keeping to myself for the first week or so. When I started taking baby steps toward getting involved and meeting people, my attitude changed ever so slightly. I joined marching band, made new friends, and started to feel happy and even at home. Finding my way on my own was difficult but rewarding. Simply by being myself I made friends and built a life for myself that didn't even exist a month prior. Sure, I missed my family and friends, but I knew they would be there for me in the end.

Over time I learned that distance can make or break a relationship. You quickly discover the difference between the people who care about you enough to maintain contact, and those who seemingly fall off the face of the earth. All the friends who promised to stay in touch, I never heard from again (excluding one true friend). The family I left behind became even more dear to me, and our bonds are stronger than ever. The limited amount of time I got to spend with my faraway loved ones made the moments all the more special and cherished. I know all of this sounds extremely cliche and cheesy, but it is true. Until you have experienced a long-distance relationship (of any kind), you cannot truly understand the patience and devotion it requires, not to mention the intensely strong bond with which you must begin.

Now, four years later and holding a diploma, I know moving to a new state was extremely beneficial to me. I gained a new perspective on the world, met a myriad of new and different people, and grew as an individual more than I thought possible in such a short period of time. As I prepare for college now, in yet another new state, I welcome the move with open arms. I need not worry about losing my past relationships to distance, because I am sure that the worthwhile ones will withstand. I plan to dive headfirst into the next stage of my life, soaking up every new experience I can. I know this move will be even better than the last, because I am going into it with a positive attitude and an open mind. Experience is truly the best way to learn, whether it is learning from the past or gaining knowledge in the present.