Moving away from your hometown can be a scary thought, it might not even cross some people's minds because they have trouble parting from the place they grew up. It's a weird experience, especially if you're moving away to go to college. It can be even worse when your parents still live there because once you've moved away and made a new life, in this new town you don't want to go back. Well, maybe that's just me. Of course, I still miss my parents every day but they make it easier by being so supportive of my decisions.

I moved from Oak Lawn, IL to Downtown Chicago. Even though I only moved about an hour away from my hometown, it will always be the best decision I've made. I think it's important not to stay in one place your whole life because change happens around us every day and we wouldn't know how to cope with change if we stay somewhere forever. Moving can be scary because you have no idea what's in store for you in this new area. I've met some of the best people in Chicago. I met my boyfriend, who has made my experience in Chicago amazing. My two best friends, who are now my roommates, have also made Chicago home for me. I got very lucky with having my sister and my brother downtown to guide me and whenever I get homesick, I know they're right around the corner.

I spent 19 years of my life in the same house, in the same town, with the same friends. I will forever have a special place in my heart for the South side. Some of my best friends still live there. There's so much more out there in life to experience but you will never know until you take a chance and move! At first, it's going to be hard and you'll feel like you're alone but you will find a group of people who make it all worth it. Everyone needs to learn how to be on their own and a great start is stepping out of your comfort zone.