I love Stony Brook University. If I had to go through the process of applying to colleges again, Stony Brook would still be at the top of my list. I have met the most amazing group of diverse students and faculty here and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to even attend a college, let alone one of the best public schools in the nation. I don't regret going to my university, but I wish it wasn't thirty minutes away from my house.

I chose to stay home for college because of the following obvious reasons: cheaper tuition, home-cooked meals every night, and being able to stay close to family. But would I give that all up for a little bit of independence? Don't get me wrong, living with my parents isn't like living under a tyranny. I don't have much of a curfew, but I also can't just come and go as I please. I think it's difficult for parents to let their children grow up in general. I think it's more difficult for a parent to let go of their children when they see them every day rather than if they were already away at college.

But my ambitions take me further beyond the streets of my suburban neighborhood and I cannot wait to leave this town and achieve my goals. I've lived here my entire life, yet there are so many more opportunities for me in better places. I love my family and I loved growing up in my home, but I can't grow in this town anymore. There's no place like home, but I'm ready to start my life elsewhere.