Dear Senior,

When I thought about college I considered staying home. A lot of people actually decide to stay home and attend a close college rather than moving away. I contemplated this choice as well. Yet in the end I decided to move away from home. I don't remember why exactly I chose to leave the nest, but I'll tell you it was one of the best decisions of my life.

As you get older you become less reliant on your parents. You want to be independent and have free range to make decisions and mistakes on your own. I mean that's how we are supposed to learn, right? So when making the hard choices of college, students might feel pushed for a far away school. Some kids are able to go through with it, while others are not.

I get it. I really do. You might not have a car and you normally use one of your parents. How could you leave without any form of transportation when you have an emergency like those late night munchies where you just need some Taco Bell. You might be worried about the cost of housing and tuition and it would just be cheaper to go to the community college and stay home, but that's what loans are for.

I worried so much about price and my T-Bell cravings until finally I realized I wanted to experience the world. I didn't want to be stuck in my hometown for the rest of my life. I was a bird and I needed to fly. (Honestly I think I'm a penguin cause this birdie still isn't flying. Although I do waddle myself to class every day.)

Being on campus and away from home has helped me realize so much. I realized I am a penguin. I realized that half my "friends" in high school weren't really my friends. I realized my shoulders and thighs don't distract boys. I realized that getting the dreaded random roommates might turn out to be a blessing. I realized that college isn't just about failing classes and getting no sleep. It's about making memories and making mistakes.

I do miss my parents and I try to visit often, but while I've been away from home, for two semesters now, I've learned so many life lessons. You learn how much gas your car can last on. You learn how to shop cheap because being a broke college student is hard. You learn that those four a.m. talking sessions with your roomie really are worth it even if you both have 8 a.m classes.

Going away to college brought me closer to my family because we realized that time is precious and their baby is growing up. Moving away made my parents and me realize that not only was I growing up, but that I was an adult now. Moving away made me realize that when it comes to friends it really is about quality and not quantity.

Seniors when your deciding whether to move away to college or stay home I want you to think about all this. Don't take into account the prices or your fears of "what ifs." Take into account all the possible memories and all the freedom you'll have (yes you can stay up all night binge watching that show while eating ramen) if you decide to take up a change of scenery. Seniors, do NOT worry what your parents think. They aren't the ones paying off your loans. Your parents aren't the ones taking your classes or working your future job. Don't take into account what they think. Think about your wishes and your dreams.

Take a leap of faith. I did and the only thing I'm regretting is move-out day!

Sincerely,

The one who moved away