Yes, I hail from a small town and even smaller high school. My class had, at the most, 115 students; I could name everyone that I graduated with. So anyone that went to a tiny high school can understand the struggles that came with it. That being said, I was pretty anxious to go away to college and meet new people. However, once I arrived at college as a freshman, I will admit, I was slightly afraid. I took a class that had 250 students in it. That number of students would honestly be a good proportion of my high school. While sitting in that huge class, it finally clicked in my mind that I was no longer in the small environment that I have known my whole life.

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Luckily, I adapted right away at college. The best advice I received was to get involved. I joined clubs on campus, got involved in residence life and talked to students in my classes. I made great friends right away. The majority of people in college are always looking to make new friends, which is awesome. They say the friends you make in college will be your friends for life. It was so refreshing and exciting that there were so many people to befriend and get to know.

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As a sophomore, I am still making new friends constantly. To have the opportunity to live on a campus where there is literally thousands of other students is so cool. I always love talking to other people who come from a small town too, because they get what it was like. The transition is relatable to them. When I talk to people who attended massive high schools and share my experience in high school, it seems unreal to them, as does theirs when they share. But, I find it beautiful to meet new people who come from different backgrounds than myself.

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I understand the intimidation that comes with a new environment and new school that is much bigger than your high school. But sometimes, change is needed; no matter how scary it is. I know it’s easier said than done, but make that jump. The person you were in high school doesn’t have to be the person you are in college and shouldn’t be. It’s a new chapter in your life and a new you. So take risks! Please take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to you.

The transition can be a lot, but just remember you’re not alone. There are many other people in the same situation. You can do it. Don’t let the transition hold you back; let it inspire you to make the most of the new experience. Sometimes I reminisce of my time in high school and think how different things are now. I truly believe though that the small town pushed me to see bigger things. I realized recently that I will never know every single person in my graduating class in college and I am OK with that.