As wonderful as it's been living close to home, family and friends throughout college, I regret that I didn’t venture out of my backyard. As I begin my senior year, I can’t help but express the thoughts that have been tumbling around in my head all summer. The small college experience has had quite an impact I must say, but I wish I would have moved to a larger city for my full 4 years.

I have worked alongside some magnificent professors, made everlasting friendships and have had my biggest supporters (my parents) along for the ride. I ventured out for one semester and attended Kennesaw State University. It was definitely a humbling experience for me. It was a huge transition from Albany to Kennesaw but it’s exactly how I found myself. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me what other cities can offer. I made a spur of the moment transition back to attend Georgia Southwestern, and left a part of me behind in Kennesaw. It taught me that I can be independent and survive on my own and I think every college kid needs that reassurance.

If I had any advice for seniors in high school, it would be to leave the backyard you’ve known your entire life and fly. It may be scary to leave your hometown and start over but it’s a great experience. It gives you a different perspective on yourself and life in general. I learned so much and experienced adventures that will last a life time. Spread your wings and reach for dreams that seem too far-fetch to conquer and give it the best you can. Emerge yourself into the community that will become your new home and don’t be afraid to try new things. Do activities such as: join Greek life, join a club, conduct research, but most of all, make those 4 years remarkable. Don’t ever look back and wish you could have changed the experiences. When things get tough or you feel like giving up, just keep swimming, because at the end, it will be worth it. In the famous words of Meredith Gray, “If there’s just one piece of advice I can give you, it’s this—when there’s something you really want, fight for it, don’t give up no matter how hopeless it seems. And when you’ve lost hope, ask yourself in 10 years from now, you’re gonna wish you gave it just one more shot because the best things in life, they don’t come free.”