Moving away from home can be horrifying, especially when you're so used to someone telling you when to go to sleep, when to wake up, eat breakfast, etc. Saying goodbye to having someone constantly hovering over you and holding your hand through each of your endeavors is scary and everyone accepts this challenge in their own manner. Once you've settled into the independent lifestyle though, you'll never want to go back.

Going away to college was something I always wanted to do. I always loved being independent, creating my own schedule, and living by my own rules. Even with an independent mindset, it was hard accepting that my family wouldn't be just a few footsteps away.

I've always been one to ask for guidance before doing anything, to find comfort in knowing that I have a support system at home who will push me to be the best that I can be. Being so far away from home taught me that sometimes you just have to trust your own instincts when making decisions, because often, only you know what's best for you.

I've learned that even though I don't have my family by blood up at school, my friends have truly become my second family. It took a while, but after lots of adjusting, I was finally able to call school my second home. As you get older, your friends become your support system, your "people," and your second family. You will grow together, cry together, laugh together, cook together, motivate each other, and more.

Moving away from home has taught me to value my friendships more than I could have ever imagined, especially when my friends are now the ones that are just footsteps away from me.

Since leaving home, I have learned to really step out of my comfort zone and jump into any and all activities I possibly can. The busier I am, the faster the time goes, and this has its pros and cons. Although time is flying by, every day teaches me something new, creating experiences that will last me a lifetime.Being away from home has also taught me to appreciate the time I do get to spend at home and with family. To appreciate the pestering to be home by a certain time, because I know if not, I'll be exhausted the next day and even the home-cooked meals that I couldn't even attempt to make on my own at school.

As I grow more independent and gain more responsibility, I'm so lucky to have people who understand what I'm going through because I know they're going through the same thing: growing up. Value your friends and your independence, because there's a lot to be learned from these things.