When starting the college search, location can be a heavy influence on a person’s decision. Many people desire a college states away from home, others choose to be a few hours, some want to stay as close as possible, and to others location can be irrelevant. To me, location was irrelevant as I chose to go to school a mere twenty minutes from home.
My family had gone here, my dad was a coach, and I had grown up on the campus. To some people, this concept can be terrifying as college is idolized as a time to become independent and discover yourself. I am here to testify that even when you are going to college in close to home, you have plenty of room to develop yourself into a better person without the influence of home. Please, do not shy away from going to school close to home – it has been a dream come true for me.
Home is as far away or as close as you make it
After choosing to go to school close to home, I was bombarded with questions such as “Aren’t you scared your parents are going to surprise you?” or “Are you going to stay at home all the time?” The answer is of course, no. My parents respect my space and encourage me to grow on my own. Therefore, my parents do not come uninvited because they understand I am busy and college is a personal zone. In addition, simply because I am a short drive away does not mean I go home constantly.
In fact, I only go home when absolutely necessary or if I need a moment at home for a quality meal or family bonding. Just because I am 20 minutes away from my hometown doesn't mean I go there any more than the person who is several hours away from home – it is what you decide to do. Home is not moving, and it will be there when I need it. The beautiful part about going to college close to home is that home can be as far away as I make it but if I need it, it is only a short drive away.
Your hometown does not define you
At college, there will be people from across the country as well as from the same town as the college. You will meet a variety of people from all over, but their high school and hometown do not matter simply because you are all at the same place now. The distance from your hometown does not define you nor does it affect your popularity.
You will not be “cool” because you are states away and need a plane to get home just as you are not “lame” for being close to home. Location does not matter at college; what matters is who you are as a person. You must be willing to reach out to organizations, to become involved, and ready to meet new people. Being close to home will not hold you back from this – I promise you.
Home is where my heart is
I am independent and I am learning more about myself every day from laundry skills to my love for being involved. College pushes students to branch out beyond educational boundaries. For many it is the first time away from home, and students must learn to balance life as well as discover new passions and define who they are. I have already begun this process and I have fallen in love with my college.
Although I was worried being close to home would hold me back, it has only pushed me to go further. When I feel defeated, I can drive home to my parents’ embraces and feel accomplished. When I feel alone, my home is there to show me how beautiful I am. When I am afraid, my parents are there to help me along but encourage me to follow my own path. I never worry about missing an event with my family, and I never worry about them not being there for me. I am independent, but I am blessed with a support system a short 20-minute drive away when I need it.
To everyone afraid of going to school close to home – don’t be. You will discover who you are regardless of where you are and you will find independence. However, having your parents close for laundry, food and advice are never a bad addition. Ultimately, remember home is as close or far as you make it and your hometown does not define you.
