Packing up your life and moving to a place where you don't know a single soul can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Looking back, I wouldn't have changed my decision for the world. Going to an out of state college is a life-changing experience. Here's why: 

1. It forces you outside of your comfort zone. 

Throughout high school, I had two best friends. I did everything with them. I was comfortable around them, so I never felt the need or desire to break out of my small social circle. I am extremely thankful for those friends, but I know I wouldn't have expanded my horizons had I gone to an in-state school. I was forced to reach out to new people and built incredible relationships I wouldn't have otherwise. 

2. No one knows anything about you, so you start a new chapter of your life with a blank slate. 

Ok well it's not at all like I had some deep, dark secret I am trying to mask up and leave behind, but it was refreshing to start school with a blank slate. I could completely reinvent myself if I wanted to. No one would have known the difference. 

3. Your network around the country grows tremendously. 

You meet people from so many different places. Not only do I have loved ones from home, but now in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut... I could go on. Basically, you have way more free places to sleep when you travel. That's a beautiful thing in itself.

4. You gain a new appreciation for home.

I was always so excited to move out, go to college far away, and start my own life. I knew I grew up in wonderful place, but I never truly appreciated it. Now I am so proud of my home state, and I realize how lucky I was to have grown up surrounded by such amazing people.

Putting the entire experience of moving out of state is hard to completely translate into words. It's risky, exciting, inspiring, and scary. It's a chance, but it's a chance that I am so happy I took.