The decision to transfer colleges was not an easy one, to say the least. With the decision came a lot of prayers, hard conversations and tears. But, after completing a semester and a half at my new school, I can honestly say it was the best decision for me, for a lot of different reasons.

The first reason transferring was the best idea for me was because, going far way for school wasn't for me, and that's okay. The norm for kids at my high school was to get as far away from our town as possible. I had friends going to school in Florida, California, New York, you name it, and so I felt the pressure to do the same. I quickly realized that this was not the best decision for me, as I am very much a homebody who cannot deal with long periods away from my family and home. Being close to my family again has been one of the greatest gifts, as lunches with my mom and movie nights at home after never too far away.

Another reason transferring was a great decision is because I feel like I finally found my place. At my old school, I found it hard to be myself and live according to my beliefs and morals. I constantly felt like I had to be someone I wasn't and surround myself with people that were completely different than me. At my new school, I feel like I can be completely myself and not be judged for it, this is a really freeing feeling.

Transferring made sense for me becauseI could be involved in the activities that made me the happiest. I am able to pursue things like Young Life, Capernaum and attending my favorite church, things that were just so much harder for me to get involved in and enjoy in an unfamiliar place. I'm the happiest version of me when I am living life according to my passions and that is why being here has made the most sense for me.

Finally, I feel that transferring was a great option for me because I have found my people. The people at my new school genuinely care about me and love me incredibly well. I feel that I have so much in common with the people here and have met some life long friends already.

Although the decision to transfer was an incredibly difficult one to make, it has been a true blessing. Sometimes we don't make the best decisions for ourselves on the first go-round but we are lucky enough to change courses. Following God's will was the best decision and I can honestly say I'm a happier person because of it.