When I first came to the University of Connecticut, I was somewhat shocked at how many people were from Connecticut. This may sound ridiculous considering it's a public state university, but where I came from, most people leaped at the opportunity to leave New York for college. Out of my close-knit group of friends, only two remained in the state out of the six.

This was considered the norm in the New York suburbs. Most left after graduation, and they're thriving where they are. I love New York with my whole heart and soul, but I had to leave it for college. Why?

Because I know I'll be back there soon. When it comes to jobs and opportunities, there is no better place for me to be than New York, and since I know I will end up going back for my future, I know college is my one shot to live somewhere outside of the state I've known my whole life and get used to another environment.

Admittedly, UConn is very different from what I'm used to. There is less traffic, fewer stores within walking distance, and more cows. But I've grown to love the campus despite how startling the differences were at first. I like the calmness that places like UConn give me, and I've always been the type of person to push myself into new situations—even if I hated them at first with every fiber of my being.

This mindset of temporarily leaving New York seemed to be shared amongst my classmates, so when I came to UConn and found that I would often be the only person out-of-state in some classes, I was surprised.

I love New York. I love the jam-packed traffic, the skyscrapers, and yes, even the grimy subways. (I actually really love the trains and miss them dearly.) I would not be opposed to living in the heart of the city someday, and I've grown accustomed to the chaos.

But I also love Connecticut. I love the serenity, the passion, and the opportunities my campus has to offer. It's different, and it's new. Honestly, every time my dad drives me back to UConn over the course of the year, he always remarks that the streets are darker than they are in NY. You really notice the little things.

I know I'll be back in New York eventually, but right now, I'm happy to be in Connecticut. I need this.

There doesn't always have to be one right place. Multiple places can be right at different times, and the only person who can determine what is best for you is you.

(I'm still very much a city girl at heart though. I'm considering studying abroad in London next year for the big city feel.)