Choosing a college is an important milestone in any high school student's life, and there are many factors that go into your decision. The university you choose becomes part of your identity, and you prepare to embrace what the next few years have to offer. I received my acceptance in August of my senior year, and I knew I was set. Suddenly nothing else mattered because I found my future home, and I was anxiously looking forward to moving in.

Everything started out perfect. I went to football games, had an abundance of school spirit, worked hard in and out of the classroom, and went to social outings with my new friends. I got along well with my dorm mates and my RA was wonderful. Everyone told me, “This university is perfect for you!” and I believed them.

But just as soon as I fell into the rhythm of my new school, I quickly lost my footing. October rolled around and I began getting phone calls about sick relatives and funeral preparations, wedding announcements, and stories about my brother’s high school experience. I quickly realized that life at home kept going on with or without me, regardless of if I wanted it to or not.

Suddenly, the “perfect school” was not working out. I had days where I struggled to get out of bed in the mornings. I called my parents in the evenings crying because I felt weird and out of place. Worst of all, I lost any motivation I had.

My grades were excellent, I had a strong group of friends that I connected with, and I was actively involved on campus. Despite that I was doing everything I was supposed to be doing, I still did not feel fulfilled. Nothing seemed to make very much sense, and I felt lost.

I went through months feeling this way.

One of the main reasons I stayed for as long as I did was because I did not want others to look at me as a failure. I felt that leaving the school I had been so excited about would make me look weak and others would be disappointed in me. My happiness was fake, especially through the eyes of social media. I constantly posted pictures of all these “fun” things I was doing with a huge smile on my face. If everyone else thought I was happy, I knew I could convince myself that I was too. My stress about being substantially unhappy took a toll on me both mentally and physically. I lost quite a bit of weight, and I had a hard time concentrating on my studies.

In April, I made the official decision to transfer universities. People have asked me what was wrong with my school, why I wanted to transfer, if college wasn’t working out in general, and many more questions. Some people even extended unsolicited advice and tried to tell me what the right decision for me was! It was overwhelming how many people wanted to feel involved in my decision to move. The answer is simple: I stopped putting my happiness in others hands.

The reason for my departure has nothing to do with the University. The circumstances surrounding my life had changed since I received my acceptance letter almost two years ago. I’m happy they have; it means I am growing and evolving as an individual. Life will throw curveballs at you, and it is up to you to adjust how you see fit. For me, the best adjustment was to be closer to home. As someone who loves plans and hates change, this decision was not easy. College is supposed to be one of the best experiences of your life and mine wasn't. I'll always treasure the people I met and the memories I made. But it’s OK to change your major, schools, roommates, or even friends! You have the power to fix whatever isn't working to make yourself truly happy.

Today, I am happy being a Miami Redhawk.