College has given me so much more than I could have ever expected. With every dollar it strips from me I take so much more in return. I take things that they can’t put a price on. Year after year of thousands and thousands of dollars down the drain because some greedy school decided that they deserve you’re first born child in exchange for an education. They could take all they want but I still gained, I learned, I experienced. I gained things like strangers who turned into family and awkward beginnings that turned into endless laughter.

Things like late night ice cream trips and movie nights. This education has taught me so much more than the information we study from books. It taught me valuable lessons and lessons learned at that. Anyone can tell you what to do and what not to do but until you experience it for yourself you never really know. You don’t really grasp the concept of why you should stay in and study before a test instead of going out until you’re sitting in your classroom wishing you never did. It taught me how to be assertive and make my own decisions. It taught me how to stand up for myself and respect others who don’t agree with me. It taught me my limits and what’s appropriate. It gave me an open mind and taught me how to see the world differently.

It gave me my identity but never once limited it to what it could be. It gave me lifelong friendships that I will forever be grateful for. It showed me there’s more out there than my hometown and how diverse the word truly is. Some people actually enjoy the things I grew up hating. Who knew? Above all, it taught me how to grow up, trust me that is the hardest thing to do. Going through high school you can swear that you are too old for your environment and that you are mature but college is your first step into the real world. The real world that doesn’t accept late assignments and couldn’t care less if you are sick. The real world that doesn’t say “it’s OK” when you mess up and gives you another chance. The real world that holds you accountable for your actions without sugar coating any punishment coming your way.

It taught me how to make deadlines and follow a schedule. It taught me how to set aside my wants for the needs of my future. It taught me so much more than I ever signed up for and I couldn’t thank college enough for that. If you’re stuck between the decisions of going away to school or not going at all, please go. I promise it’s an experience you’ll never once regret. Live now and deal with the debt later. As cliché as it sounds, you can’t put a price on experience. Trust me, you will be getting the experience of a lifetime. Our world cares too much about money and too little about living. Sometimes you just have to do things for you and as questions later. Here I am, senior year, knee deep in debt and still loving my decision of going away more and more every day.