I may be wishing for this a bit soon, but I know that the second I graduate (which at this point I may never after how many times I switched my major), I will be handed my diploma and will be on the next plane out of town and away from the East Coast.
Don't be fooled. I've never been more thankful for the place I grew up, and the wonderful school that I attend. But, as a 21-year-old college student who spends their days living vicariously through other people's journey's across the world, I can honestly say I'm ready to move on when the cap and gown ceremony is over.
Reason 1: The East Coast is so damn crowded.
I love spending holiday's in New York City and seeing Rockefeller Center with the giant Christmas tree and all the holiday elements set up around the city, as well as the hustle and bustle of the people, but that's exactly the problem. The people. There's so many of them that I go insane. I really think that every time I go to New York City, that's the entire world population right there on that little island.
I need some room to breathe and staying on this coast where New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington D.C., house some of the biggest populations of people in the country, I decided that maybe it would be for the best if I said see you later.
Reason 2: I am so over the cold.
I have loved growing up where we had snow days and two-hour delays. But it's now time to face the facts, I want so much to be warm all year round for once. I want to be able to sell my winter coat and buy another pair of sunglasses.
I want to be able to walk out my door and feel warm, rather than have giant gusts of snow blow into my face and give me frostbite before I even get to class or work. The sand between my toes, the sun rays warming up my skin...come on you know what I mean.
Reason 3: I've never lived anywhere besides the East Coast.
Born in raised in the Keystone State (Pennsylvania if you don't know your nicknames) I'm ready to experience life away from home. I'm young, I have no depth to my bank account, which truly makes it the best time to go somewhere else and try something new. As painful as this is, I have to step away from Wawa.
And if you just read that and had no idea what a Wawa was, I'll be over soon, so just drop me your address and I'll come explain the goodness and even take you for a ride for some of the best sandwiches and artificial mac and cheese that you've ever tasted.
Reason 4: You always regret the things you don't do and the risks you don't take.
While I said before that I've never felt so lucky in my entire life to grow up where I did, but I've dreamed of going elsewhere since I was an awkward and ugly pre-teen. (Now, I am not saying I got any better looking or any less awkward in present day.)
It's truly amazing how beautiful life can be when you go somewhere else, and I've spent my whole life within my comfort zone, which is no way to live life (or maybe it is, who knows). I'm ready for that dose of uncomfortable. I'm sincerely excited about what is to come, and I know when I'm handed my diploma I will be on my way to a new part of life, not just short term, but forevermore.
