When it came time for me to start applying to colleges, I applied mostly to local colleges in my area. For a while, the idea of going away to college far away seemed like a silly and fantastical dream that couldn’t come true. I felt that moving far from home would cause more issues than it was worth. As time went by (and the winter got colder), my mind changed completely. I realized that the only place I would really want to spend the next four years of my life, just happened to be 1000 miles away from the place I had previously called home.

I believe that the best way to learn is through experience. This unique experience has taught me so many lessons; here are seven of them:

I learned about independence.
In college, I never have to report what I’m doing to anyone, or ask for my parents’ permission before I go out. Moving away gave me a new sense of freedom that I had never known before. I’m now free to do (reasonably) whatever I want—and conversely, not do what I don’t want to do. There’s nobody forcing me to do anything, which at times can be bad, because I have to motivate myself, but truly is freeing.

I learned that homesickness can hit hard.
Although I’m glad that I chose to move, I still get homesick—it’s natural. At times, I miss the familiarity of the town where I spent more than 18 years of my life, the people who helped make me who I am, and the places I’ve come to know and love. But, I know that I’m making amazing memories and having once-in-a-lifetime experiences , which I wouldn’t trade for the world. Sure, it’d be great to go to school near my old friends so we could hang out during the year, but it’s also great going to school far away from them, and making new friends.

I learned about people from different places, cultures and backgrounds.
I had spent my whole life in a small town, and I graduated high school with the same people I started kindergarten with, and these people became boringly familiar. In college, I’ve met people from states across the country, and even different countries around the world. Everyone I’ve met has led lives so different than mine, and it’s so interesting to learn everyone’s stories. It has opened my eyes to so many things that my small-town mind never thought about or experienced before.

I learned how to really study.
College is hard. In high school, studying was basically just looking over my notes. Now, sometimes I spend an entire day studying and doing homework. During finals week, I plant myself in the library until 2 a.m., trying to re-learn everything we studied all semester. Sure, college can be fun, but the real reason we’re here is for the education.

I learned that putting off your problems just makes them worse.
Sometimes I have a hard time dealing with things life throws at me. I’m a great procrastinator, so I tend to just want to sweep problems under the rug until I’m forced to deal with them. However, this has never helped me conquer my problems. It’s important to deal with your issues, no matter how annoying they may be, head-on ASAP. In the long run, you’ll be glad you got it out of the way.

I learned how glad I am to have gotten this experience.
Not everyone is lucky enough to go to college. Not everyone is lucky enough to get to move 1000 miles away for college. Not everyone who does get to go away is happy with their decision. I have been so blessed in my life. I will be forever grateful that I had the chance to learn so many lessons from this experience. Relocating for college was definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made.