When you’re a child, the possibilities are only limited by one’s mind. Dreaming of what to be when you grow up is usually along the lines of deciding between being president one day or an astronaut. There is so much power in the mind of a child because there is no limit and few to discourage them from pursuing anything less than their desires. However, as the adolescent mind develops, there is a shift. You being to grow up and develop all sorts of relationships. New people enter your life and decisions are no longer only for yourself. As a young adult, you now have to consider, family, friends, and other loved ones. There are so many people that you feel like you’re giving up on if you were to just grab your bags and start a new life elsewhere.

In my experience, growing up in a Mexican-American culture intensifies this feeling by at least an order of ten. We are everything to each other--family, that is. I was always taught that “at the end of the day family will always stick together.” Before any assumptions are made about how I view family, understand that I am proud of the fact that my family is one of the few things I can always depend on in any situation. Nonetheless, I am beginning to believe that as important these relationships are it is also crucial to experience what it is like to stand alone on your own two feet even if it is temporary.

As many of my friends could tell you, I am not one to stray away from Texas and try something new. Like many, I guess you can say that change scares me, but I know that it is necessary for growth. I constantly see my Instagram feed filled with people traveling across the world seeing beautiful sights and exploring until their heart is content. Although I am comfortable staying in Texas forever and growing old in the Lone Star State, I am still somewhat envious because I know that I could never bring myself to take similar risks.

With all of this in mind, I would like to share my loophole to this problem that can hopefully help anyone in a similar solution. I have decided to kill two birds with one stone by exploring while improving my scientific skills. For my readers who are in any STEM fields there are things called REUs. These are research experiences that are offered all over the country. For the second year in a row, I have ventured up to the east coast in an effort to fill this exploration fix. This is an amazing experience because it allows for people to experience a different culture, make new friends and become a better scientist. D.C. will be my new home until August and although I am somewhat homesick, I know that it will fill my need for adventure.

Being courageous enough to get out of your comfort zone, even if for a small amount of time, is much more difficult than one would think. Regardless of your reservations and mine, I know that the chance to be alone for a little while does wonders for yourself. To anyone in similar shoes, I say do it. Whatever way you can, explore. You will not only mature, but it also gives the opportunity to appreciate those you often take for granted. Take the risks and have fun.