When I was perusing colleges my junior year of high school, I looked for solid academics, a large campus, friendly people, and well-known athletics. I did not immediately know I wanted to travel far. All I knew was that I was ready to graduate high school and start the next chapter of my life. Prior to solidifying my collegiate decision, I traveled far and wide touring a variety of campuses. While the majority I visited were on the east coast, the school I committed to was in the Midwest: Indiana University.

I went to school out of state, and here are eight reasons why you should too.

1. Independence.

I don't have to make my bed every morning, I can eat cake for breakfast and I can even go out on a Tuesday. I probably shouldn't do all of these things, but the point is I can. My mom is not able to micromanage my life from 10 hours away (sorry, Julie) which allows me to make my own decisions and learn from my mistakes.

Shout-out to the kids who didn't know how to do laundry prior to welcome week, or the ones who had never even boiled water. When your parents live 10 hours away, you are on your own when it comes to cooking, cleaning, scheduling doctor's appointments and everything in between. Freedom comes with responsibility, and you learn that quickly in college.

2. Four years of freedom without being completely alone.

College is a unique experience; it really is a gift. You have four years to travel where you want and still have your parents as a safety net. It is an opportunity many individuals aren't blessed with, and you should appreciate it for what it's worth.

3. A clean slate.

All of your baggage is left behind you. Going to school far away provides you with a clean slate and the ability to completely reinvent yourself. You can change who you are whenever you want but it's always easier said than done. Sometimes you just need that little push to become who you really want to be, and attending college out of state can definitely be that push in the right direction.

4. New connections.

Traveling to new places promotes the expansion of your network socially and professionally. I have made connections with individuals in Indiana that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

5. New cultural experiences.

Going to Indiana has led to me attending the Kentucky Derby, networking in Atlanta, visiting Chicago for a formal, and dancing on a Cincinnati riverboat. Because of where I go to school, I have had the opportunity to get published in national magazines, experience the Little 500 and meet some of my biggest idols. If I hadn't ventured west to continue my education, I would not have befriended the people that have made these memories possible.

6. No temptation to go home every weekend.

I made friends at school because of just that: I was AT school. I spent quality time with new people on the weekends and mingled with my floor. I was able to branch out and socialize with people I would have never met if I went home every weekend to hang out with my high school friends.

7. I cherish family time more.

I have always valued quality family time, but now I look forward to it even more considering I only come home for big holidays. I love spending time with my family and I always have a lot of catching up to do when we are reunited.

8. I have learned fiscal responsibility (to some degree).

It is not secret that attending school out of state is expensive. College in general is expensive. With such astronomical tuition fees, it was imperative that I take out loans to secure my spot at the university of my dreams. Having loans means I appreciate the value of a dollar more and I have a larger incentive to attend class because I know that my education is coming straight out of my pocket.

Being from Maryland, my choice was a bit uncommon, but that didn't scare me. As my college experience creeps to a close, I can hands down say that going to school eight hours away was the best decision I have made, and a wise investment for my future.