It’s about that time of the year again—the time when college decision letters are coming in the mail, kids and parents are trying to make some really tough choices, and eager soon-to-be-high-school-graduates are committing to the colleges of their dreams. But before these kids are committed— and they can relax and put all that stress behind them—they have to make one of the biggest decisions of their lives: choosing where they’re going to spend the next four (or more) years getting an education and preparing for the future. And that’s not such an easy task.

Something a lot of kids struggle with (I know I did) is accepting the fact that things are changing so quickly and there’s nothing they can do to slow it down. It’s such a life-altering time, switching from high school to college, and a lot of people are uncomfortable with change on a scale as big as such. A lot of students let this fear keep them from taking that leap and going away to college, and so they choose to stay home instead. (For some people, staying home is the right thing to do, but fear is not the best reason). If you’re scared about leaving the house you grew up in, the town you know like the back of your hand, the friends you’ve had since elementary school, your comfort zone—it’s normal. But don’t let that hold you back from getting out into the world and prospering.

I had a lot of reluctance toward going away to school, and I’m not here to say it was easy. In fact, in the beginning, it was one of the hardest times of my life. I even almost transferred back home. But with that said, I’m insanely happy I stuck it out and got through it, because it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve been privileged to have. Going away for college introduces you to a whole new world, a world where you can be independent. A world where you have to figure things out for yourself, learn from your own mistakes, and grow. I’ve learned so much about myself throughout this process, and you really get to know yourself and learn to give yourself more credit. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. (Major understatement).

Going away to school is the opportunity of a lifetime and I personally think everyone, if given the chance, should take advantage of it. If you genuinely don’t think it would be a good fit for you for reasons other than fear, that’s totally fine. It’s not for everyone. But I promise, if you go away, even if you decide along the road that it’s not for you (even though it probably is), you’ll at the very least learn a thing or two about yourself and the world around you. And don’t even get me started on the people you’ll meet, the unforgettable memories you’ll make, and the experiences that will last a lifetime. If you’re struggling with the decision of going away to college, I say go for it. Coming from me, someone who didn’t think I would survive one second out of my comfort zone, it has been the best decision I ever made for myself. If I could do it, you can do it too. Good luck, and congrats you soon-to-be-high-school-graduate!