Making the move from a small town to a big city was an easy decision for me because I can appreciate the advantages of both and I can have the best (and worst) of both worlds. I learned a lot when I moved to Tampa, and I have gained important knowledge for the future by living on my own and experiencing something different from what I have known my whole life.

1. You are small
   1. There are so many people around all the time. No matter what time of the day or night, you’ll see the most random people walking around. Sometimes it feels like you don't have a voice or that you don't matter, but each and every person plays an essential role in this unique environment.
2. Crosswalk signals are actually a thing and you should use them
   1. This sounds a tad bit stupid, but when I was growing up in a small town, we never had crosswalk signals and when we went into the city we didn't use them, but since moving to Tampa, I have realized how important it is to follow them and not get run over when walking to Walgreens.
3. Uber is the best thing that ever happened to me
   1. I don't even need a car to get where I need to go. Uber has made my life a million times easier and I don't have to worry about totaling a car on I-275. To all you Uber haters, you probably haven't even tried it, have you?
4. Walking everywhere is possible
   1. I don't need Uber for everything. I walk everywhere because everything is near me. It's so nice not to have to drive 15 minutes just to find civilization - I'm right in the middle of it!
5. There is always something, or multiple things, to do!
   1. Between festivals, restaurants, clubs, or just walking around to see what’s there, there's always something fun to do on a nice day or a night out.
6. There are cool places to go that are completely weird and quirky
   1. Just walking around Tampa I have noticed so many odd little shops and restaurants that I've wanted to go into, which is awesome. I have seen so many and you could probably make a day out of going around to all of the ones at interest you.
7. ALL the festivals!
   1. Big cities are always down for a good festival. For Tampa, I'm talking Gasparilla, people! Everywhere else, you'll probably find a few - or a ton - of funky fests going on all year. Definitely make a point of stepping out of your comfort zone and going to one that you may not have otherwise tried.
8. There is life
   1. There is life outside of the suburban bubble. I promise! I learned so much just from living in a major city for a year, and it really made me appreciate the advantages of living there...and the advantages of growing up in a suburb where you knew everyone.
9. Different kinds of people are around every street corner
   1. The people make the city and they're one of the best parts of living in one. There are all different kinds of people from all walks of life, and you can learn a lot about people and society from observing people who may live differently than you do.
10. Things happen
    1. A lot of important things go on when you live in a big city because people flock there. Think presidential rallies, big festivals (see above), and major historical events. Tampa has a rich history and it is interesting to read about all of the things that happened there.