Growing up in the same town for 10 years, I got comfortable with pattern and routine. For me, change is difficult and straying off my normal path is unusual. Too often I felt I was not reaching my adventure potential and taking advantage all the amazing places our nation has to offer. When it came to choose a college I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do. My experience has been everything I hoped it would be. I have not only fallen in love with my campus but I have also met so many amazing people. For some people it is hard to leave home, and I have to admit I have felt this so many times. When you live with your parents for 18 years, leaving abruptly seems like a dream but in actuality, it is rocky. I feel that I am doing myself a great deed by venturing far from home. Here are some reasons I chose to pursue a school far away and I hope they can help you rekindle yours as well.
1. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone
It was time for me to fly the coop and start living an independent life. College is all about finding yourself and what makes you awesome.
2. Scholarships
Sometimes the best scholarships are given to out of state students to help encourage them to pick the right school. This can make the decision easier and possibly help make the transition smooth.
3. Meet new people
I was so comfortable with my friends at home that I had honestly forgotten how to interact with new faces. Going out of state was the perfect opportunity to meet hundreds of new faces.
4. Academics
This should always be towards the top of any list. It is so important to choose a school that academically fills your need.
5. A new adventure
One of my favorite places to be is a coffee shop and luckily, ma and pa coffee shops are not hard to find. Finding new places, I believe, is so good for the soul and can really help us relax. After a stressful week, a warm cup of joe sounds like a slice of heaven.
6. To make the best of each and every opportunity
Coming from out of state is not an easy transition, but if you take every day with a smile than everything has opportunity. Let’s face it… life is not easy, but when we look at problems with positivity than life seems to be so much more enjoyable.
Never forget there are thousands of students who are experiencing the same feeling. Trust me, taking this leap will set you ahead and teach you to learn independence faster. College is meant to be a maturing and fun experience. “Life is like a mirror, it will smile at you if you smile at it.”
