Applying to go away to college is scary and complicated. You have to cope with the fact that you’ll be on your own and you’ll have to take care of yourself without your parents for the first time. This causes many to think that staying close to home would benefit them. My advice: DON’T DO IT.
I’m a Southern California Native, born and raised under the sun and in the ocean. However when it came to applying for schools I had one condition: only east coast schools.
I had this dream of going to school in New York City and seeing all the seasons (especially Fall). Everything was great in the beginning. I was experiencing so many new things and meeting a lot of interesting people.
As time went on, things started to change dramatically. I became very depressed, I missed my family and I felt extremely out of place. I had to deal with some mean girls and a few too many heartbreaks which made me feel even more alone-as if being 3,000 miles away from home didn’t already do that.
Don’t get me wrong, I have met some amazing people since I’ve been in New York and I have had many priceless memories that I wouldn’t give back for anything. But I would be lying if I said I never had any second thoughts about living here.
Coming home after my freshman year I almost didn’t go back. However, my mom told me something that I’ll never forget. While she would have loved it if I was closer for school, she would be very disappointed if I came home because I had already grown so much as a person. And I realized she was right. Going into college I thought I had myself all figured out, but the truth is I knew nothing at all.
All of these experiences have made me stronger as a person. Although I still have much more growing to do as a person, since I’ve been away at school I’ve realized a few things:
1. You should always be you. Who cares what anyone else says? Turn your head away from the haters and just smile.
2. Heartbreak is going to happen regardless. And it is a little harder to get through without your best friend from home by your side. But it’s best to accept it and do your best to move on and keep your head high (even if you do have to see them everyday on campus).
3. It’s okay to be a little lost and a little scarred. But don’t let a few bad social experiences scare you into moving back home.
I am not writing this to scare people away from moving far for school. I may be the biggest for it because you will without a doubt learn who you are as a person. You’re strength will be tested in everyway possible, but I promise you will come out stronger than you ever thought you were.