I had always been accustomed to having those two places. Two places where I could let loose, express myself openly without judgement, and grow as a person. For years, those two escapes included my home holding my family and my dance studio holding my heart.

My home has always been my sanctuary. The place where I welcomed my friends and kept close to my family. The place that grew with me as bed frames got too small and picture frames were constantly being changed. A place where so much change occurred but always felt the same at the end of each day.

On the other hand, my dance studio held the hundred best friends I was always accustomed to having. From our first competitive dance as six-year-olds to our graduating performance as eighteen-year-olds, we always had each other. No matter what ballet shoe got too worn out or what dance leotard could no longer fit us, our bond and dependence on each other continued to be the same.

For years I had grown to realize that these two places would always accept me. Accept me for my beliefs, my actions, my good days, my bad ones, and everything in between.

So when the thought of college came about, I figured that there would no longer be two places in my life. I figured that moving away into a dorm and a new city consisted of growing apart from everything I had ever known.

Surprisingly, this was not the case.

I grew in two places, once again. However this time, one of those places was more mature, developed, successful, and ahead. More specifically, world’s ahead.

The place I like to call, my second home, Florida International University.

As I sit here writing this during the beginning of my Resident Assistant training, I could not be more proud to represent, work for, and attend a university that fits me and my standards so perfectly. Over my college journey, I have learned that it is not necessarily about which college has the best ranking or ratings but the one that suits you the best.

So in starting or continuing your college years and lifestyle, choose that perfect place. The place that makes you strive to be a better version of yourself. The place that opens up all the doors you never knew existed. The place that accepts every flaw and welcomes it with open arms. The place you want to call your second home.