Texas. Some people might tell you that this is my favorite word, and they aren't wrong, but Texas is so much more than just a state, more than just a piece of land. It’s a state of mind.

Now, I may live in Illinois for 9 months out of the year, but I am, and will always be a Texan. I’m highly obsessed with the state, from the constant warm weather, to the spectacular people and the mouth watering food, it’s by far my favorite place. But this wasn't always the case. If you knew me in high school, you would know that I found Texas annoying and that I dreamed of the days when I could move away. So, when I moved out of state for college, I didn't realize how homesick I’d become.

I’d like to say that after 2 1/2 years, that the homesickness has gone away, but I don't think it ever will. Texas blood runs through my veins and as long as it does, I’ll always be homesick, but I am so thankful that I’ve gotten to experience life outside of Texas.

No matter where I reside, Texas or Illinois, everyone's favorite question is “Why in the world would you ever leave Texas?!” The answer is simple really: I wanted to see the world, and expand my horizons. I realize that moving to Illinois isn't like moving to Europe or some other exotic , far away place, but for me it was still seeing the world.

Growing up in Boerne, Texas, I had a pretty normal childhood. I had great friends, went to a great school, made good grades, and my parents provided me with more than I could have ever asked for. Until I moved to Illinois, I hadn't really experienced many worldly things. If I'm being honest, I was pretty sheltered by what people call the “Boerne Bubble”, but this isn't the case anymore.

Since moving to Illinois to attend Bradley University, I have learned a lot about life and even more about myself. I remember my first semester at Bradley. I pretty much cried everyday and didn't think I would last. I was over 1,000 miles away from home, didn’t know a single soul, and all I wanted was the comfort of home, the comfort of the familiar. But if I hadn't stayed, if I hadn't made the conscious choice to give this new place and these new people a chance, I would never have encountered people who were the complete opposite of me, people who showed me new points of view and to consider other people’s opinions instead of just my own. I would never have learned to enjoy the way the seasons change, instead of thinking the world was only green and brown and that winters weren't supposed to be colder than 45 degrees. I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone and I’ve learned that I’m a lot stronger than I think.

However, I can't say that I'm totally glad that I shipped myself out of state. I definitely miss my friends and family, not to mention the great state of Texas. Yet, moving away has showed me that I can make it on my own in a new place, that if my dreams take me to new places, that my love for Texas, and the the people I love, will always be there. For now, I don’t need to be in Texas, because there’s nothing like going away that makes home so sweet.