College is the next big step that most high schoolers count down the days for. Majority of students choose colleges close to home and all of their friends. I was not in that majority, I chose to pack up my things and move 500 miles away from Florida to attend Appalachian State University. This was the change I was always scared to admit that I needed.

Attending college out-of-state has proved to be one of the hardest battles I've taken on. My situation of being an out-of-state student is a little different though. My family decided to move up to North Carolina as well for my Mom's job. So not only did I leave my Florida life for college, I left it for a whole new beginning in North Carolina as well. All of high school I dreamt of attending college in North Carolina so I rarely let my life in Florida get in the way of that. Senior year was the only year that left me reluctant to leave my home. I loved my life and my friends too much to leave, but I left. Moving was only the beginning of the battle.

The first week of college was a tease, welcome week kept us so busy that I had no time to miss my friends. Once the second week came around it was a tidal wave of emotions. I missed home and my friends. I always saw people around campus with their closest friends laughing and looking happy, I wanted that. I longed for friendships like my ones from home, yet finding friends seemed to be the hardest part of college. I was wrong, I found all of my closest friends on the 4th floor of Cannon Hall. I grew to accept the fact that my new friends will hold the same place in my heart as the old ones. My new beginning meant for new friends.

The best advice I could give to any out-of-state student is to get involved. Find out about what clubs your school offers try all different ones. I met my two closest friends through a club that I joined on campus, so I promise that some good can come out of them. Don't be afraid to try new things, college is one of the best times to do so. Involving myself in clubs has made me meet so many new people, find passions for new things, and get to know the campus. So I truly encourage it.

Going out-of-state for college has been one of the best things to happen to me. At first I was scared and lost regretting my decision of going so far from home, its had its major ups and downs. But, now a month into college I couldn't imagine myself attending anywhere else. Every day proves to be a new adventure that makes me fall more in love with my University. I encourage anyone that has the chance to attend a college far from home to take the chance and do it, you won't regret it.