I was born and raised in a small town in South Dakota, which is smack dab in the middle of the Midwest. South Dakota is a large state with hardly any people in it and I often joke with my friends that there are more cows than people there, (It may be true). Though I love my home state to bits and pieces, I eventually decided that I wanted to experience more of the world and what it had to offer. I set my heart on the East Coast and soon enough, I found myself enrolled in a tiny ocean side college in Connecticut.
Since arriving in the East Coast, I have gone through a number of trials and tribulations. I have had some of the best days of my life and some of the worst. All in all, I have learned some incredibly important lessons since moving halfway across the country.
1. Homesickness will hit you hard.
From the first day of college, I was missing home pretty badly. I was content with my choice, but it was strange being so far from home. The culture in the East Coast is incredibly different than in South Dakota and for the longest time, I struggled to adjust. I missed familiarity and knowing exactly where I fit in the world. It was hard to see friends travel home happily on the weekends while I was sitting in my room alone. However, while homesickness can hit you hard, it does not have to cripple you. Skype is a miracle when you are far from your home and there is nothing quite like receiving a package in the mail from your family!
2. You need to get involved in your community.
It is important to try to make your new community your second home. You are going to be spending a majority of your time in this new location, so you will want to feel comfortable in it. By staying busy, you can take your mind off of anything that is bothering you while also becoming more connected to the new social environment around you. Make an effort to join local clubs, sports and organizations that interest you. It is a great way to meet others and to make a positive impact on the community!
3. It is okay to doubt yourself.
Since moving to Connecticut, I have doubted myself and my choices numerous times. I have wondered if I made the right choice leaving home and if I am strong enough to be here alone. I have made decisions that I later tear apart so severely that I am unsure if I even made the right choice or not anymore. Yet, I have learned that it is okay to doubt yourself.It is natural to question your choices and it can actually occasionally lead to more positive outcomes. However, it can also lead you down a bad road of crippling self-doubt if you let it get out of control. At the end of the day, you just have to trust your gut instincts. Deep down, you know what is right for you. Just listen to your heart.
4. Your friends will become your second family.
Eventually, you will find people in your community that you just click with. These friends will be the ones who are with you through thick and thin and never fail to make you smile. These are the people who genuinely care about you and your well-being. They become your second family and you will all share some amazing memories together throughout your time together.
5. Always be prepared for any potential problem.
When you are close to home, it is easy to run back for help if something comes up. If you are halfway across the country like I am, you have to be prepared for the unexpected. You will have to learn a degree of independence and know how to handle most problems that pop up. You will always need to try to have enough money in your account to be able to buy a plane ticket for home if an emergency happens and to have plans in your head for any and all situations that could occur.
Moving halfway across the country can be a wonderful and terrifying experience. It causes you to grow substantially as a person, to truly appreciate your surroundings, and to value those who support you through it all. At the end of the day, there is nothing more beautiful than embracing your new home and finding happiness through your choice to experience a new environment!
