Four years ago, I was terrified.

I had just graduated and decided to move 265.9 miles away from home to go to a university I had never heard of.

I know, I know, 265.9 miles is nothing. It’s just about a four hour drive or 45 minute plane ride. But if you’ve lived in the same area, grew up with the same kids, driven past the same schools and went to the same Publix for 18 years, four hours is a crazy long time.

During my drive up, I was nervous, petrified and didn’t want my parents to leave. We unloaded all my stuff, which was basically nothing, into my new dormroom, and after I got settled in, my parents had to make their drive back home. I, on the other hand, was unsure about these new roommates, the new culture of the city I was in, and all the people I didn’t know around me. I was so use to knowing everyone and everything around me, that I began to question this move that I had done.

That first summer in college, I learned a lot.

One of my roommates ended up being crazy and pooping in my trashcan. (She had clogged both toilets in the apartments already.) the other became a good friend who I still randomly talk to. And the third roommate ended up becoming my first friend in college and my best friend.

Since then, I’ve lived with a guy and moved across the bridge, realized it’s better to live with your girlfriends, moved five times in four years, found new hobbies and beautiful spots in the city, and have had three different jobs, been to the hospital once or twice, totaled two cars, and adopted a pet cat named Sassy Pants.

The past four years has definitely been a roller coaster, but, it has also been the best decision I’ve made so far. If I ever make friends who are contemplating moving, I urge them to do it.

Moving away to another state or even city is sometimes terrifying and scary, but it could also be the start of your life.