18 years of my life was spent living in New Jersey. Now, if I was someone who was normal, I would’ve gone to college within driving distance. Maybe Rutgers or The College of New Jersey. I could have even gone to school in Pennsylvania, Delaware or New York. A lot of people from my school chose to go to school down south in North Carolina or South Carolina. There were 582 people in my graduating class and 8 people, including myself, decided to go to school across the country. Let me tell you why that was the best idea I’ve ever had.

1. Independence

As a former high school student, I felt restricted by the things I could do by the only 2 people who had control over me, my parents. I love my parents dearly, but I wanted to be able to go out with my friends whenever or do what I want without having to constantly ask permission. Going to school almost 2,500 miles from home has given me the freedom that I have always wanted. I like to be independent and I always have been an independent girl from a very young age. Now, I have the opportunities and freedom that I have wanted for years to come. I do what I need to do on my own. I do my school work, keep up with my health while also maintaining a social life. I feel so free spirited out here because I don't have those restrictions.

2. Meeting new people

I went to school with the same group of kids for 12 years. I stood at my bus stop every morning with the same three or four kids for such a long time. After a while, you run out of things to talk about and sooner or later, those long conversations on the bus turned into quiet mornings with heads resting on the window as we all listened to our music. I have amazing best friends, some of which I have known for 15 years or some for as little as two or three. I love my friends so much, but meeting new people is something I've always enjoyed doing. I get to experience that new, fresh feeling of getting to know someone for the first time. We can learn about each other, our likes and dislikes, hobbies, where we come from, etc. That's what is so great about going to a school so far from home! Learning about other people's life styles is so interesting because we grew up totally different in a completely different setting. There are so many people that I never would've met and come to love if I decided to stay close to home.

3. Different atmosphere

Living in the suburbs my whole life was great. I loved that feeling of having a typical home with a big lawn and a cute neighborhood. You would always see your neighbors walking their dogs or someone watering the plants in the front of the house. It was such a "homey" type feeling and I will always love it. However, Tucson, Arizona is the complete opposite from what I'm used to and that's something I cherish. I believe that living in a different setting is so important for a person to grow. Tucson is more of a "city-like" atmosphere with old, pastel colored buildings. It's so eye-opening seeing how different of a place this is from where I grew up. It's a completely different perspective and I love being able to experience that. It amazes me that I can just walk out my dorm and be at a grocery store in less than 2 minutes. It's a whole different world out here and it's truly incredible. Seeing a mountain view every morning is something I never thought would happen or waking up at 8:00 am to it already being 90 degrees outside. It's amazing.

4. Exciting adventures

Arizona is a state that has so much to offer. There are so many mountains or trails to go hiking at and I'm beyond excited to experience them. I've read so many different reviews on many of the mountain trails in Tucson like Finger Rock Canyon Trail or the Sabino Lake Trail. I can't wait to give those a go. New Jersey's hiking trails definitely don't compare to these. I think that's one of the greatest things about going to a state entirely different from the one I grew up in. There are so many different adventures I can go on with my new friends! Also, there are different states bordering me like California, Nevada or Colorado! I could even go to Mexico if I wanted to! I can easily drive to those states which is totally cool. In New Jersey, it was always a trip to New York City or Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. After a while, the same thing gets boring. I need new and different and I'm thankful that Arizona can provide me with what I'm looking for.

5. Cherish the moments with friends and family

Being so far from home is such a liberating feeling and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. However, being this far makes you cherish the moments and the little things with your friends and family a little more. I haven't ever been away from friends and family this long. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone for Thanksgiving because it'll be 4 months since I had seen any of them. I am going to remember those stupid comments my brother makes because I won't see him nearly as often. I will cherish those moments since I don't have them nearly as much anymore.

Deciding to go to college far from home was the best idea I've ever had. There's so much out there for everyone; don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. There are so many opportunities and experiences that you may never come across. So many people that you will never meet. It might seem scary at first, but I promise, you won't regret it.