Moving away from home can be extremely challenging. It's a time when you move out of your comfort zone (literally), meet new people, experience independence and face the unknown. While it's a sign of maturity and aging evidently, it can be hard for anyone. Whether you're moving out of your childhood home, going to college or going abroad, there are things that we can forget while we're away.

1. Change is OK.

I personally have a hard time with change. I didn't really realize it until I wished that all of my friends and family would basically be stuck doing the same thing because at the time, things were "perfect." I then started to freak out because it was going in the opposite direction. It was only then that I realized that change is just going to happen and you have to roll with the punches.

2. Stressing out about change only does so much.

Going from somewhere familiar to completely unknown is stressful. There are times when it helps me be motivated and others where I just want to shrink up in a ball. Sometimes I just like to overthink and stress and it just becomes no good. When I first moved to California, I was so concerned at how other people perceived me, whether I was going to get friends, what dorm life would be like, etc., and it drove me out of my mind. There comes a point when you realize all the extra anxiety and worrying doesn't help. We can't change the future so you might as well live in the moment. As for the things I was worrying about, they all fell into place with time and I realized I shouldn't have worried from the beginning.

3. People's lives go on even when you're not there.

Picture this: You see a photo of your best friend with another girl on Instagram. Don't panic, that weird feeling inside is normal. Truth be told, the people that were in your life a lot before still continue on with their lives even when you're not around. Sure you might get major FOMO, but it's exciting to think that everyone will have so many stories and experiences by the time you get back together. It's hard to not stay so on top of each other, due to social media mainly, but try not to be super obsessed with staying up to date. Focus on your life too, I know they haven't forgotten you.

4. Homesickness is real.

I never thought I would get homesick. I love my mom and my life back home and all, but I wanted change really badly and moving to California sure provided that. I was having a good time at school and meeting new people and doing new things but it never occurred to me that I was missing parts of my "old life" on the inside. It really wasn't until it was close to the holidays and a lot of work was due that I wanted to see my family and friends from back home more than anything. They're basically my rock and I don't take that for granted. It took a while for me to miss home and even when I did, I wasn't bawling my eyes out, but there was still that yearning of the comforts of home. Homesickness can come in all shapes and sizes but that doesn't mean your friends and family have actually left you behind.

5. Acceptance isn't easy but your friendships mean a lot.

I realize that everyone is different and we all really click with different people, however, I didn't understand how hard it could be to start fresh over. I was pretty used to generally knowing the people around me and didn't have to worry about meeting others. However, when I moved, it was a major culture shock and it resulted in a stark difference between me and others. It wasn't a bad difference, but it was unexpected. I know I can be fairly easygoing but making friends that I really got along with took a while. In the first semester of college, you can get tempted to try and mold yourself to fit in. I encourage people to try and stray away from that. People should like you for who you are and you shouldn't have to win over people's favor. You are going to meet amazing and different people and you'll love it.

6. You will grow and change.

Ever since being away, I can say I've gained way more skills in terms of being able to talk to people, get organized, manage work loads and be involved. It's a weird feeling to not have someone nag you to do your work, but it feels even better when you were able to get yourself from point A to point B. Being more independent really changes you and often for the better. I've taken more appreciation for west coast culture (coming from D.C.) and tried to adopt different habits if I liked them. People back home may say you've changed, but again, change usually is for the better and it's a part of growing up. You'll use what you've learned at home and being away and you'll create a stronger version of yourself.

In the end, being away from home and the idea of change can be scary. There are times where it'll be harder than others but all experiences you go through help you grow and you'll value that soon enough.

So, good luck to those who are flying the coop and are onto a different chapter. Good luck and cheers!