When I was a high school senior, I was torn in my decision of where to go to college.
There were certainly pros and cons to each option but I needed a place where I truly can grow and be the real me. I decided to go to school 7 ½ hours away from home. This “big” decision was something new entirely and quite exciting.
Going to school far away sure has its challenges.
That “school is so hard, I just want to go home” homesickness definitely took its toll on my first semester.
I didn’t have the option to just go home for the weekend, visits had to be planned weeks ahead and days had to be taken off.
It was also impossible to see my high school friends unless it was any kind of break that I happened to be home for.
I learned what Drake actually meant by “YOLO.” Many people interpret this saying many different ways- but I’ve chosen to look at it differently. High school was a time where risks weren’t really a part of my life, I didn’t like being in the dark about the circumstances or outcome.
Since I’ve been in college I have taken risks socially and mentally. I can honestly admit this was one of the best risks I’ve ever taken.
I also learned to be confident and more independent. I stopped asking myself “why do you want to do this?” and started asking myself “when do you want to do this?” After asking this to myself a couple times I found the true me, and I completely fell in love.
In high school, you would never catch me sitting alone, but now I’ll sit in Starbucks for about 3 hours by myself either doing homework, watching Netflix, or browsing Redbubble.
While there were, and still are, some days that are a lot harder than others, the lessons and experiences I’ve gained as a college freshman are priceless. I was able to become the best version of myself, live my life to the absolute fullest, and still continue to grow as a young adult.