When I started the process of searching for my “dream college” I had a list of certain requirements, but moving to the other side of the country was not on the list. I kept telling myself that even though I wanted to leave home to experience the world staying in my home state would be perfect because I would be close to home, and more importantly close to my favorite burger joint. It stayed this way until the actual research began.

With one little search of “small colleges,” Google had me thinking that leaving the country would be the best option because, let's face it, tuition is tough. My best option was to see the campus' website and decipher if the school was for me. When I narrowed it down, the one school that stuck with me was one of the smallest ones on the list, Sweet Briar College. That was the moment when the question that everyone wanted an answer to began: Why was I leaving the state?

I can be corny and say it was just meant to be, but I won't be. The real reason I chose an out-of-state college was because it presented me with the adventure I craved. There's a saying that goes , “Where the trail ends the adventure begins,” and personally my trail ended the moment I said yes to my school. After that, everything I was doing was me winging it.

I pretended not to care about me leaving my family, and acted as if the big move was not affecting me at all. Everyone believed that I really didn't mind moving from one state to another all by myself; when in reality I was terrified. What if I didn't fit in? What if I had made the wrong decision?

Thankfully, I didn't make the wrong decision. I am now settled in at my college, and making the unforgettable memories college students are bound to make. I do realize that I could have made the wrong decision because I did decide to attend my school impulsively, and I really didn't take time to think about all the things I was giving up. I don't regret my decision because sometimes being impulsive is the best thing you can do. For all the students preparing themselves to leave home for the first time, let me just say don't overthink it. Leaving home is probably one of the best things you can do, and while you may miss home remember home is only a phone call away. Do not turn down the chance to leave because you feel like you won't make it. Being away from home is crucial as a college student because this is the time to make mistakes, and it's also the time to find yourself.

So before you think of saying no to that one school you really like, say yes.