For many of my fellow classmates, junior year was a jet-setting journey. A few months away, a well-documented Facebook album, a cultural learning experience and basically ultimate bragging rights were some of the perks of studying abroad for them.

I used to think that would be something I'd be interested in, spending a semester in London, or Spain, or Israel -- ( basically anywhere that was not New Jersey). My Instagram could use some foreign foodie pictures and my mind could use a cultural cleanse. But as I progressed in my college career, I realized my life was far too invested on my college campus, and to spend so long away from both my real home and college campus home would make me uneasy.

I love my friends too much. I love my life at school too much and I wouldn't want to be away from the campus that built me. I wouldn't want to be a bazillion miles away from the hustle and bustle of it all, the environment I thrive in. I'm the type of person who is motivated to work hard in school because I'm surrounded by diligent individuals with admirable work ethics. And I'm the type of girl who would feel left out if she sees a picture on Instagram of her friends at home at Applebee's, even if, yes, I was out exploring the world. My life and every glorious opportunity I've been given has been on my college campus, and I don't want to hit "pause" on that no matter how many wonders of the world are out there waiting for me.

While studying abroad may be around the same price as a college semester, one is definitely not profiting from going overseas. First off, every extra souvenir, or French croissant or night out, or fancy cocktail (because hey, it's five o'clock somewhere) isn't included in what you're already paying. So many people I know who went abroad complain about how they have to save money up after returning from their European escapade, and let's face it - no one is really rolling in dough as a college student.

Then, once you return, you have to squeeze your way back into your friend group because while you were taking pictures of mountains and fancy foods (and probably doing more vacationing than studying), life continued on campus for everyone else. People move on. People adapt to life without you and that could be detrimental to your relationships at home.

I would be homesick. I would be lonely and I wouldn't have my loved ones around. Heck, I wouldn't even be able to send a text message to them. I have the rest of my life to travel, so why now? I should enjoy my few semesters at school, to build connections, make friendships that aren't overseas and just enjoy college life -- because before you know it, it's over. The world, however, will always be there to travel.

I'm still going places right from college campus. Maybe not out of the country, but maybe to more job interviews and opportunities because I stayed put in my little realm. I want to make the most of my four years at college and launch my career, so that one day, I will be able to go abroad and travel, but as a vacation, and not as a semester in school.