Just two weeks ago, I left Ohio behind and headed down south 1,200 miles for Austin, Texas. Not knowing anyone in a new, big city can seem so daunting to many. Ever since I left for college, I found that luckily, I am not a person that gets very anxious or nervous about new adventures even if I'm taking them on solo.

Working with a summer teaching program, I knew I would be working alongside of peers my age, except that can't always be so promising. Not knowing too much about my program, the people I'd meet, and the place I'd be living in, you can imagine how nervous my mother was for me. I have come to realize that just winging it is what I'm best at, and it leaves behind a huge amount of worry and stress; it also makes life a lot more interesting!

I had expected to be introduced to a new culture in Austin, but I didn't know just how unfamiliar and refreshing it would be. Living and working with so many people of different backgrounds, stories, cultures, and beliefs has opened my eyes and my heart tremendously. True to its slogan 'Keep Austin Weird', this city is filled with a plethora of people with so many differences. Although, everyone just seems to balance one another out, and everyone expresses themselves as they please.

Starting my adventure out unaccompanied has certainly made my experience more authentic by forming relationships with such unique people and by figuring out who I am along the way. It's hard to imagine coming here with a close friend and truly being open and accepting of what's around. College is the best time to step out of our comfort zones to find who we are inside.

To anyone who is fearful to take the step forward and do it all on your own -- take that leap. It is completely worth it. You won't know what you're missing until you're on the other side.