I graduated from high school in the state of Tennessee. Growing up, people naturally gravitate towards a state school, and a large number of my classmates stayed close, choosing the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. While it was quite tempting to head to Good Ole’ Rocky Top, a great school and a familiar place with many familiar people, the right decision for me was to take a chance and attend an out-of-state college. While being nine hours from home seemed intimidating to me, I am so glad that I took the leap to begin my college journey away from Nashville. Here are the reasons that tipped the scales towards my decision to head out-of-state, where I ultimately chose the College of Charleston.

1. Experiencing a New Part of the Country

Since coming to South Carolina, I have learned to love the hot, humid summer months. I also enjoy IOP and Folly Beach, the Battery at sunset, and King Street shopping and restaurants. I have met new people who come from different places with unexpected customs and traditions. Did you know that Charlestonians put vinegar on pork and call it Barbecue? These new experiences have allowed me to gain a greater appreciation for all the people and places I never would have come to know and love if I had stayed close to home.

2. No Unexpected Visits from Parents!

Can you imagine hanging out on a Friday night and having your parents show up to surprise you for the weekend? I live a plane ride away from my family! This gives me a sense of freedom and independence beyond their well-meaning, yet unwelcome recommendations for how I spend my time.

3. Forcing Me to Grow Up

The long distance away from family and friends has pushed me to learn to do things on my own. Flat tire? I gotta figure out how to change it. Shattered phone? No “Dad, I need a new one.” So while being away can be lonely and daunting at times, there are life lessons that come from self-reliance. I know that having to solve my own problems has better prepared me for living on my own one day.

While it might be tempting to stay close and to go to college at your hometown's favorite school, there are many great college options worth considering. Take some chances, explore other parts of the country, try rooting for a new college team. It might just pay off. I’m not the first to say this, and I never thought my English teacher would be right, but this Robert Frost quote about roads keeps coming back to my mind: “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”