Early in my high school career, I was pretty set on staying in California for college. I was content with the lifestyle that California offered me and I was comfortable with it. It was all I knew. Towards my junior year, something changed and I realized I needed to, at least consider, other options. Long story short, I now reside in Colorado eight months out of the year as I attend the University of Northern Colorado. While I can’t say leaving California was the easiest decision I ever made, it was a decision that has made me stronger and more independent.
The first year of college was hard. I, along with my roommates, struggled to fully adapt. I just didn’t feel like I fit in with the people here and the lifestyle was slower than what I was used to in Southern California. It was a year of change that seemed to drag by. I am now a senior and I still miss California. I miss my family. I am missing out on seeing my niece grow up. I never get to celebrate my birthday at home. The beauty and perfect weather combination that my home state offers is also hard to beat. But, with all that said, I am still grateful I stepped outside my comfort zone and took the chance to go to school out of state.
I truly believe that if I didn’t leave California for college, I never would have left at all. Going to school out-of-state allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and it allowed me to see a new part of the country. There is so much beauty in places I never would have expected. For a California beach girl, I learned the mountains have their own beauty and so do the plains. I also learned to accept the different ways of life that the United States has to offer. Not every state is the same and there are many different ways of life in this country. Some places have more farmers than businessman; that was something I had to get used to. Coming from suburbia, I was used to dads that came home in suits every day.
Additionally, choosing to leave California was a decision that greatly increased my confidence. I had to learn to do things for myself without the comfort of Mom and Dad being right by my side at all times. I have to go grocery shopping on my own, I have to take my car to get serviced on my own, I had to find a new doctor’s office on my own etc. I am responsible for my own wellbeing. I can’t just go home whenever I want. Being out of state gives me restrictions, as I can’t just drive to see my family members whenever I need something.
Lastly, going to an out-of-state college has made me feel more comfortable with traveling. For a girl that didn’t take her first flight until the age of 16, being away has taught me so much about getting around the country. I now have to drive 18 hours to get home for Christmas and summer breaks. I also have to fly home by myself for short weekends when I do get the rare chance to go home. This has made me a travel expert (kind of) and has increased my independence.
I think it has been good for me to leave home. When I am at home, I take what I have for granted. But being away from my loved ones and my wonderful community has made me appreciate what I have. I enjoy the daily texts with my mom and dad and I also enjoy getting to FaceTime with my family every now and then. Being away makes me love my family even more and I now enjoy my time at home during breaks more than I used to.
Going to school out of state is a challenge, but the reward is great. I have grown up tremendously; in ways I never would have had I stayed home. If you are choosing between a local school or a school that is hundreds of miles away; take a risk and you won't regret it.
