Going to a college that is only 10 minutes away usually is not on the top of a soon-to-be college student’s list. College, for some, means to move away from their hometown and to start over in an unfamiliar town. For me, that was not my goal. Living so close to where I grew up gives me a sense of comfort and familiarity. I know the town, the restaurants, stores, yet I still chose a school where I only know a few people. Going to Rose gives me a way to be a part of a new community.
Like other college students, I wanted to be independent and start making my own decisions. My first year of college I lived at home. I thought it was better to save money the first year and commute the short drive every day. It was nice to be home and in my own bed at the end of the day. My second year of college I moved on campus to give myself another experience, the one of being on my own. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d always lived at home and had everything I needed. Being on your own is different. You have more responsibilities, more people to worry about, more fears, and more worries.
What makes all those fears and worries go away are the friends that are around. No matter what happens they are always there for you. I wouldn’t have become as close to them if I wouldn’t have lived on campus. If gave me a sense of accomplishment and a sense that I will be okay being independent. I also knew that I could just drive home if I needed anything. I was far enough away to be on my own, but close enough to have that option. College for me was finding a place where I would be happy, a place where I can continue to play the sport I love, a place that has a great education, and a place where I can be me.
Figuring out who you are is a journey itself. College is a place to do that. You try new things, meet new people, and learn new things along the way. The journey has its ups and downs. Like in class, sometimes you fail, but it’s part of what makes us who we are. Sometimes we try too hard to fit in and try too hard to be something we aren’t. What matters most is how we feel about ourselves, not what anyone else thinks.
Being this close to home helps me get through every day. I don’t feel bad for making this choice for myself. I chose to be where I am to make myself happy. If the first two years of my college experience taught me anything it is to be happy with the choices you make and with what you do. If you start to love the choices you make, you’ll start to love yourself. These are some of the hardest four years of our lives and loving our own choices will get us so far.
