For some reason, with the mention of staying in my hometown for college, I received a lot of judgement. I don’t know if this is a prevalent opinion in other towns or if it’s just another sparkling characteristic of Grand Junction, Colorado, but it isn’t a favored choice to make. Yes, leaving town gives you “the college experience” and “it’s the only opportunity you have to try something new” (which isn’t true), but there’s something to be said about my experience at my local university.
Maybe my outlook on my decision is a little preconceived, considering we haven’t even reached Fall break. I can tell you now, though, that I have learned more about myself this semester than I ever thought possible. I reached these conclusions with the help of my hometown.
Just like most of the college students in the country, I was set on going to some far-away university to get the hell out of the binds of a small town. But I didn’t for one simple reason: I could have a life outside of college. I was so worried that the college would be the only thing I was attached to in that state, and I would rely on it for everything. With Grand Junction, I could see my family, work a couple of jobs I’m familiar with, and live off campus. My life would be more than just school and I wouldn’t burn out as easily.
Not only that, but finances are a huge factor in my decision. Colorado Mesa University offered me a full ride scholarship. If that doesn’t make your decision for you, you are one lucky kid because I can’t even fathom paying my way through undergrad and medical school without a helping hand. Removing the stress of student loans allowed me to move out and become completely independent. Boy, has it been nice.
It turns out, though, that money isn’t everything. I’ve always heard that cliché saying and have never really felt its impact until now. Truth is, I’m not very happy where I am and have made plans to leave my hometown next year. Wait, but isn’t this supposed to be about the benefits of staying home for college? Trust me, there’s a silver lining. If I had ventured to a different corner of the country immediately after high school, I honestly don’t think I would last. Living on my own and getting used to the strain of college in a familiar environment not only saved me money, but has prepared me for any obstacle I could face in a different town.
The truth is, I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready to uproot my life for a place I knew nothing about. Now, I have found a college that is exactly what I need and I can make my way there without questioning my independence. Colorado Mesa University showed me what I need by showing me what I don’t want. Staying home has been the perfect stepping stone for what is to come, in the most backwards way possible.
My advice to you is it is okay to not know where you want to go for college. If you don’t think you can take a giant leap into a completely unknown environment, it is okay to take a year to figure that out. Because trust me, your heart will show you exactly what you want in the process. You aren’t a loser for staying in your hometown, and you’re not settling. You’re taking the proper precautions to prepare yourself for the future.
