Making the decision of where you’ll further your education is one of the most pivotal moments in a person’s life. In my mind I often devise a meticulous plan where everything works out perfectly with no bumps along the way. Once reality hits, that plan goes straight out the window; my college decision process was no exception. Before starting my college applications, I made a deal with my mom that if I went out-of-state, it had to be confined within a six hour driving radius. Six hours became the magic number because if an emergency occurred she could physically get to me in less than a day. Fast forward several months and applications later, I decided on Baylor University in Waco. Texas: not only is it in a different time zone, but it's a crisp 17 hour car ride or two hour plane ride depending on how much time and money you have to spare. Needless to say, my decision busted the radius completely. I live just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, which is home to a myriad of colleges/universities, trust me I know, but I wanted something a little different. I became very comfortable with the idea of going to school out-of-state and when the opportunity presented itself, I ran with it. When I tell people where I'm going to school and reveal its location, I'm often greeted with a gasp and/or mouth drop. Since I'm now a pro at what I call the "rundown questions," I became equipped with a defense backing my decision. I thought that I should share some of them with anyone else who's in my position or will be soon.
The following are 5 reasons why going to college out of state isn't the worst idea:
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1. You break out off your shell.
Regardless of if you’re moving 10 miles or 10 hours away from your childhood home, things will be different. By attending school out-of-state, you’re almost forced to come out of your shell. Yes, that doesn’t sound pleasant, but I feel as though it’s the best way to grow and shake the fear of walking into a room of strangers and introducing yourself. Why wait to overcome that fear — you aren’t getting any younger.
2. Time to explore a brand new place.
Going from North Carolina, a medium size state to Texas, one of this country’s largest states will be a huge jump — as Drake would say “I’m zero to 100, real quick!” One of the reasons I chose Baylor was that it was in a relatively small town but was surrounded by big cities with lots of things to do: Dallas/Forth Worth, Houston, and Austin. In each of those major cities, there is a plethora of opportunities and new adventures for me to find that I wouldn’t have if I stayed in a state I’ve lived in for several years. As a student and new resident you have the opportunity to try new things and familiarize yourself with your new surroundings.
3. Call a new place home.
If you’re like me, since the beginning of this year you’ve made countless Pinterest boards and/or favorite tabs planning out what your dorm and wardrobe will look like at school. That’s one of the most exciting things about starting this new chapter of our lives — we can have a brand new place to call home and make it ours without a parent or friend or relative interfering with our plans. Living out-of-state, you have the chance to make a second home where others can come visit and enjoy it with you (by invitation only though).
4. I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T do you know what that means?
Anyone else remember that song? The beauty of college is that it’s a great four year buffer of time in a young adult’s life where an individual can find themselves. But more importantly, you learn to be independent from others, which is key to becoming a successful adult.
5. You become “exotic.”
Before you laugh me out on this one, hear me out. When you meet someone new, you typically ask them where are they from. If they’re from your home state, great, but if they’re not, even better because you become unique to them and can provide a new perspective.
Deciding on a college is a long, eventful, unpredictable journey, but once you decide on a school, you’ll look back on the trip getting there and laugh. I hope these reasons helped with your decision. Best of luck!
