Why I'm Glad I Went To School Out-Of-State
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why I'm Glad I Went To School Out-Of-State

There's a whole world out there.

13
Why I'm Glad I Went To School Out-Of-State
Jimapco

I attended high school in Apex, North Carolina. Around the end of my junior year, my friends and I began touring colleges in the state. While my friends all found their niche at North Carolina schools, I couldn't help but hope for more options.

Going out-of-state was never really an option. When I brought up the idea to my parents, they emphasized that I would achieve a good, affordable education at a North Carolina public university. Despite their advice, I still applied to schools in other states, and I'm glad I did.

I ended up getting a scholarship to the University of Tampa that made tuition extremely affordable. A few weeks later, I visited campus and loved it. I had finally found my niche.

Looking back, I couldn't see myself at any other school. Going out-of-state has forced me to mature socially and emotionally. Growing up, I had always been known as the 'shy one', so when I was thrown into this foreign environment with thousands of strangers, I could finally reinvent myself and be the person I've always wanted to be. Within my first few weeks, I had already created countless friendships that I still have today.

Being 500 miles from my family has taught me how to be independent. When I'm sick, instead of my mom making me hot tea, I just grab a Gatorade from the lobby vending machine. When I really don't want to go to class, I still force myself out of bed (usually).

Yeah, homesickness definitely happened in the first couple months, but it died down after a while because this school has become my second home. If I never took a risk and left North Carolina, I never would have become who I am today.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

79113
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

48440
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

978481
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments