Change can be scary. It is easy to retreat to your safe place when you are faced with something new or different than what you are used to. When I decided to move away from my hometown and go to college in a larger city, I knew that I was at a point in my life where change would be good for me. Despite the intimidation entailed with leaving everything you know, I was itching to finally move away from the small, tight-knit place that I knew far too well.

There were several factors that I took into consideration when I finally decided to leave. One was that it became rather monotonous to only have a few options of places to spend time. If I wanted to go out with friends or family and do something relatively exciting or different, then the better alternatives would be almost an hour away. It also got old to always see someone I knew nearly every time I went out in public. Whether it be Wal-Mart, the local restaurant favorite, or even the park during a warm day, I would have to anticipate making time for a conversation. Personally, I am more introverted and prefer to keep to myself. So, if you are like me, always expecting someone to approach you and ask about your life can get old, especially if that person is someone you would like to avoid. With this in mind, living in a small town for many years will show you that everybody knows everyone. There is little privacy; news and gossip can quickly spread, and everyone seems eager to talk. I found myself becoming turned off by the small proximity and lack of solitude, so I knew that moving away was something I wanted to try.

It was scary at first to be in an unfamiliar place where there was so much for me to learn. I have been in my new home of Louisville for almost two years now, and I am still becoming familiarized with the city; the neighborhoods, grocery stores, restaurants, and the best sites for a good view and to have some fun. Having moved to a new place, there was (and still is) something invigorating about walking down the street and not one person knowing your name, yet feeling secure and part of a community. When I first moved away, I was taken back by how refreshed I felt. I immediately fell in love with the numerous places and sites to see, and it is great that I have been here so long and there is still more for me to discover. I became exposed to people of different backgrounds and identities, and was awoken by new perspectives and ideas that differed from the common ideologies in my hometown. It soon became clear that moving away was a good choice in order to access new experiences. Louisville in particular has a broader margin for opportunities, such as places to find a job, to shop and browse for uncommon goods, to try multicultural food and festivities, to attend large events, and more. Ultimately, I know that moving away was just what I needed in order to satisfy my craving for change and adventure.

I will admit that I can feel homesick from time to time. I deeply miss my pet cat and mom, and the rest of my family who I love so dearly. I miss the friends that I rarely get to see, and the places that became my personal sanctuary. When looking back on the many memories I made while growing up, I am sincerely appreciative of each and every experience--the joyous and the painful. Although bittersweet, these memories shaped the person I am today, and without them I would not be the same. I know that my hometown will always be a part of me, but I also know that I was not meant to stay there forever.

I am aware that not everyone feels the same when I take into consideration those who are perfectly content with staying back home. Not everyone has the same circumstances or aspirations, but packing up all my things and leaving that small town was personally one of my best decisions. I highly encourage everyone to travel or move away from their hometown, at least for a short period of time. You never know what you could be missing--who you could meet, what you could see, or what you could be a part of--if you do not take the chance. For me, moving away was one of the better things I could do in order to improve my life and rid of the dissatisfaction and certain toxicities. And with that, I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.