From the age of 5 on, I wanted nothing more but to gain a major amount of independence, and in order to do so, I thought I needed to move my entire life by going to college across the country. Here are 5 things I've learned since being here.

1. Flying is a lot less fun without your parents

Growing up, boarding a plane was filled with new adventures. I could fall asleep for 4 hours and be in a completely different region of the country. However, when your parents aren't there to take care of all the nitty-gritty details, the airport is not a walk in the park.

2. Climate change is more severe than you'd think

Whether you like it or not, the climate change is way different than you'd expect. Snow is colder, hot is more humid, and the wind chill adds to everything.

3. Travel time must be accounted for

When trying to get home or back to school, travel time must be accounted for. It takes about a day just for traveling, and jet lag cannot be forgotten. After all of this, canceled flights are always a possibility when flying to and from the east coast.

4. Missing you're family cannot be fixed with a call

As much as I wish it did, my family is too far away to not be missed. Although a weekly FaceTime call fixes the homesickness for awhile, you can't just drive back home to see them like the locals.

5. Independence hits you in the face like a brick

Whether you are ready or not, you are a real adult now. You must do laundry, take trains, and schedule flights all on your own (with possible phone calls back home for advice.) You must take on the world with confidence