I Left The Pacific Northwest And I Couldn't Be Happier
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Left The Pacific Northwest And I Couldn't Be Happier

Sometimes, change is a good thing.

1324
I Left The Pacific Northwest And I Couldn't Be Happier
Alexa Barnes

The end of this month dawns upon the beginning of my second year attending college. It’s one of those things that I’ve spent counting down to for the last couple months as I await the time that I get to return to the school I attend in Southern California. Now many people ask me why I left my home.

I am from the Pacific Northwest. I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. As of two years ago, all I knew was the Pacific Northwest. I knew rain and Ugg boots, North Face jackets and evergreen trees. I had been on vacation to many different places but I had never known another city other than the one I grew up in and have called home my entire life. I had never been in another place without my family for more than two weeks. That being said, all I could think about growing up was leaving.

Yeah I know- a lot of people asked me why I wanted to leave so badly. Anyone not from the Pacific Northwest seems at least a little- if not a lot- fascinated with the idea of Seattle and Portland. The idea of actually living in a state that has seasons and where you can walk freely without being sucked into a crowd or being stuck in traffic every six seconds. People come to the Pacific Northwest just for the rain and the trees. It almost came as a shock to people that I didn’t want to stay in the PNW- that I wanted to live in a state famous for the lack of water and large crowds. But the thing is- that’s not why I left.

I don’t hate the fact that I’m from a small town in Washington- which where you have to tell everyone not from Washington that you’re from an hour south of Seattle. I don’t hate Washington at all. I left because I wanted something different. I needed a new scenery. To meet people that were from all different places that had no clue where Olympia Washington was. I wanted adventure and someplace that I had never seen before, where I didn’t know anyone.

So I left. I left my home in Olympia, Washington and headed towards sunny Southern California. I left my home of rain and endless evergreen trees for the place that is notorious for its drought and people. I left the Pacific Northwest and I couldn’t be happier. I met new people from all over. I made friends with people that I wouldn’t have ever actually met unless I left the comfort of my home. I’ve seen new things and explored a whole new territory. I never would have been able to do that without leaving where I am from.

It’s hard and sometimes confusing to explain the reason why we leave a place we love when we do. It’s also hard to convince yourself to jump when you truly have no clue what lies beneath you. But one thing I do know, leaving for the adventure and hope of finding something good is worth it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56871
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36656
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958454
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

189487
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments