Congratulations! You finished high school and committed to your dream college. You were so excited to go out of state and leave your past behind. You were excited to start over somewhere new. I personally chose to leave Washington State behind and travel to Southern California. I wanted to live in paradise.

The University of Southern California sounded so dreamy: perfect weather, a prestigious school, beaches, and celebrities. However, just like every other freshman in my class at school, I too got homesick. I never thought this would happen to me because I had always wanted to escape Washington and the rain. I remember looking at my friends Facebook pages who decided to attend the University of Washington and I longed to be in their position. They could see their parents whenever they wanted, they could continue exploring Seattle, and most importantly, they could create friendships with people that would stay in Seattle even after graduation.

When I returned to Seattle over winter break, however, I realized that the grass is always greener on the other side. I began to miss Los Angeles and the friends that I had made during my first semester at USC. I realized that while it was nice to be home, it wasn't the right place for me to attend college. Traveling out of state for college was the best decision I have ever made. Listed below are just a few of the perks:

1. Getting to explore a new city and lifestyle.

Each city or town has its own personality. Pretty soon you will be an expert in both cities, and will even call this new place your second home.

2. Unique Weather

Maybe your new location has similar weather to that of your home or maybe it doesn't. In my case, I left the rain behind and currently enjoy 365ish days of sun per year.

3. Networking and New Friends

Build your network and your friends. You are in a new place and there are tons of people waiting to get to know you.

4. Personal Growth: Confidence and Independence

College is a time to reinvent yourself. You get to leave your reputation behind and start fresh. Additionally, your parents are not around so you learn how to take care of yourself.

At the end of my freshman year I cried because I didn't want to leave USC or Los Angeles. I wasn't ready to leave my second home.