Growing up, I moved a lot. Over the last 19 years, I have lived in five houses and have attended three different schools. It was hard to constantly re-locate and attend different schools, but there was always something in common with the new environments - they were all small, suburban towns. All the towns I lived in had a small population and the school districts were not very big compared to other surrounding areas.

The house I lived in the longest was the house that signified many transitions and life moments in which I will never forget. The greatest moment of living in this house was that it where my family blended with my now step- dad and his three kids. Prior to that house, I lived in a house in which only my mom, my dog and I lived in for just a few years. After my mom met my step-dad, they got married and bought a house together. This town was where I attended all of my middle and high school years. It was the house and school district in which all of my siblings and I graduated high school from. Along with those milestones, it was also the first house in which my mom and step- dad moved in together, where I got my license, where I had my first kiss and where some of my best memories with family and friends were made.

The surrounding town was very small and condensed. It was a town in which everyone knew everyone. While my past towns and locations were small too, this town was hands down the smallest. It was first a bit hard to get used to, but I soon became very comfortable and at ease with the house and town that would signify a lot Importance in my childhood years.

Before I knew it, after living in this house and town for eight years, graduation was around the corner and picking a college or university was my next priority. I looked up to my two older siblings who attended larger universities and had internships and jobs in major cities including Pittsburgh, New York City and D.C. So I decided, why not step out of my comfort zone and try a very different environment?

Following my high school graduation of only 140 students, I chose to attend a school a tad bit bigger than Middletown Area High School. Next stop, Temple University. Student Population: 37,788.

I never thought in a million years that I would be attending a District I city school, let alone one that went above and beyond the student body that my local high school had. What many people don't know is that Temple University was a huge wild card for me. Visiting seven other universities, the next biggest school I applied to was Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a student body of 15,340. Looking for the nursing program that best suited me, Temple’s program surpassed my expectations beyond belief. Knowing that it would be a huge step for me, I committed to Temple University.

Besides the large student body population, living in the heart of Philadelphia was a big step for me. I never thought that going to a college in a major city would ever be an option I would pursue. As intimidating as it was to start my college degree as well as be on my own for the first time, I was doing all of this in the city of Philadelphia. Knowing that it would be a difficult transition, I was ready for the challenge!

After completing my first year, I am now about to start my sophomore year and I can’t describe how thankful I am for my experiences thus far not only at Temple Univeristy but in Philadelphia. Living on your own is one thing, but living on your own in a major city is a completely different experience. You learn quickly about such things as how public transportation works and that drivers in major cities are a lot more aggressive than in small towns. Also, I have learned so much history about Philadelphia as well as the population. I have never come across, nor was I prepared for the crime found in the city until I arrived and lived here for a year. It really has taught me more about safety and watching my surroundings. Ultimately, I appreciate the opportunity I have been given to complete my education with the support of my family and loved ones.

I could never imagine completing my education anywhere other than Temple University in Philadelphia. Thus far, it has been such a significant, eye-opening, and rewarding experience. Here is to the next three years in the city of brotherly love!