Do you see the girl in this picture? She is two days away from graduation. She has been through so much. She works three jobs and has a terrible work ethic. She has depression, anxiety, and ADD. At the moment, her parents are getting ready for her sister's wedding. She feels small and alone. She gained a ton of weight due to psychological trauma in middle and early high school and never managed to lose it. She is going to Troy University in Alabama in the fall and wants to live in a big city. She is a part of the class of 2018 and plans to graduate college early. That girl is me.

I recently read this article from a girl who I graduated high school with. It said that you're going to miss your hometown and to relish every moment of your life before college. I could not disagree more. Not that the article is wrong or the author is wrong, but rather I think not everyone has the same fond memories of high school and their hometown.I sure didn't.

Sure, I miss my mom and friends when I'm away, but it's a part of life. I can't be expected to be around my parents 24/7 for the rest of their lives.

A big part of growing up means that you learn to be independent of your parents.

I'll address the issue of missing high school. High school was the worst four years of my life. I wasn't popular and I was bullied by adults.

I was always uncomfortable because the dress code was disadvantageous for girls and I would constantly get dress-coded even when a boy was more out of dress code than I was. At some point, I wanted to die so I wouldn't have to go to school. High school was horrible for me and I am so glad to have graduated.

The article address soaking up every moment. Unless you're popular and buddy-buddy with teachers or administration, you'll be targeted. That was very true for my high school.

I was teased and humiliated by adults and dreaded walking through those doors. I would skip class so I could go home. High school left much to be desired. Of course, I miss my friends. However, we're all adults and we understand that we don't have to see each other every day now that we're in college. We can go days without talking to each other and we know that we'll still be friends. Not talking for a few days doesn't diminish our friendship, because that's part of growing up.

Going away for college gave me the freedom to discover myself, while high school took away my sense of self-worth and confidence. My work ethic before going to college was terrible but leaving made me learn that the only person responsible for me is, well, me.

Going to college helped me discover clubs that bring out the activist in me and I rediscovered my love for Jesus.

Leaving my hometown for college was the best decision I made and while I'm only two counties away, I have the freedom to be my own person without fear or judgment. I plan to graduate college in 2021 and move a 12-hour drive away. I can't wait to start the rest of my life.

Wanting to leave my hometown doesn't mean I "hate" my hometown; rather, there are memories I want to suppress and going back just makes those memories resurface. I like my hometown, but I'm a city girl at heart and want to move out of state for my career. Sure I'll miss my family and friends, but I want a fresh start. Nobody said growing up was easy. When it comes down to it, follow your heart. My heart just happens to want to move out of state.

To the person who wants to leave their hometown, go for it. You won't regret it.