“Why did you move so far away from home?” This is the question that I receive on the daily, when people ask me my hometown and it is not in Kentucky or near Kentucky. My response has always been that everything fell into place for me at Murray State University.
As my freshman year comes to an end, I’m pondering that same question: “Why did I choose to move so far from home?” I moved away from everything I had known for the past 18 years. I moved to a town I knew nothing about and to a university where I did not know a soul. But, little did I know that when I made the decision to move 330 miles from home, it would be one of the best decisions.
Why is it one of the best decisions? Well, let me tell you.
1. You have to make new friends.
I’m not going to lie to you. It is absolutely terrifying not knowing anyone on your college campus. I made the effort to join various campus organizations and talk to my classmates. I went out of my comfort zone to build new relationships. Yeah, it was awkward at first, but I made lifelong friendships. If I stayed close to home, I wouldn’t have met my best friends. And I most definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
2. It broadens your horizons.
I didn’t want to stick around the same people from high school. I wanted to meet new faces and visit new places. I wanted to meet people from a different walk of life. I’ve been exposed to people from cities like St. Louis, Chicago, Nashville and small towns that are so tiny, I couldn’t even tell you the name. But the point is, they each of have a different story, and it so cool to see how they differ from you. You meet diverse people, but you are also exposed to a new culture. Kentucky’s culture is very different from Alabama.
3. You appreciate your family.
When you live far from home, you can only visit family on long breaks. It’s hard sometimes, but it makes the moments with them so much sweeter. You appreciate everything they do, even the smallest things. You appreciate your mom’s home cooked dinner and your dad’s pep talks about your future.
4. You appreciate your home.
I never realized how much I took my hometown for granted. When I go home, I enjoy eating at Chick-Fil-A, going shopping at the numerous shopping malls, grabbing coffee from Starbucks and simply driving through downtown. These are things that we don’t have in my college town (although there’s other positives that make up for it). There’s something special and nostalgic about visiting home and you appreciate every visit.
5. You gain independence.
Obviously, you don’t have mom and dad to take care of you. It is something you have to learn to do. You have an abundance of freedom. You have to discipline yourself to wake up for class, to make dinner, do your homework, do your laundry and the list is endless. These responsibilities fall on you. But, you can eat ice cream at 3 a.m. or go on spontaneous road trips with your friends, without asking your parents. It is a breath of fresh air.
6. You feel like you can conquer the world.
I moved away from home. I lived through it. I made new friends. I learned how to follow interstate signs when I have no signal for navigation. That right there, really makes you feel on top of the world. Whatever endeavor I take part in, I know I can conquer.
7. FaceTime and phone calls become a necessity.
When you miss home, remind yourself you are only a phone call/FaceTime away from your family. Your conversations with your mom and dad become more valuable. It refreshes you.
Friends, do not let moving away from home intimidate you because there are so many blessings that flow from it. All in all, I wouldn't be the person I am today, if I went to college in Alabama. I am so thankful for Murray State University and my friends who make it my home away from home!
