I know there are many of you who, like me, chose to go to a college that is not close to your hometown. However, there are also others who instead decided to just get away from a place of familiarity to seek another path in their life and that's perfectly fine too. Nevertheless, whether in school or not, whether young or old, moving away from what you know can be a scary thought, but also a time for new opportunities, growth as a person, and perhaps a fresh start.

1. You are on your own (for the most part).

Once you made that decision to leave home and chose to go somewhere not close to where you're from, that is kind of a big step to take. It is the first footstep of many that you will take on your new chapter in life. For those of us who are in college, we remember the day we first moved into our dorm or apartment, with the help of maybe some family and friends. After the hugs, goodbyes, and pictures, we knew that once they left, the rest was up to us. What we have chosen to do since then has hopefully matured us to start making our own decisions. For those who are anxious, don't be too anxious at the thought of being by yourself. Do you know why? Because you don't have to be alone.

2. You've met some great people who now have a special place in your heart.

What make great memories and experiences great are the people you meet along the way. Some may just be temporary while others could become your friends for life. Surrounding yourself with positive people can help ease your emotions about being in a new place by yourself and where you don't know anybody. As time goes on, you will connect with others who are different from you and perhaps different than people you typically surround yourself with. This is where special relationships, the ones you never would have expected, become so strong and special to you that you ask yourself often how you even went so long without having them.

3. Recognize what you have already.

Taking a moment everyday and recognizing the little things your life offers to you is so important. I call them the "little blessings" we have, but they are far from little as they are big and worth more than gold. The feeling of being homesick will not disappear right away and that emotion may be felt at random sonetimes, but that is just what comes while you are still adjusting to life away from home. Appreciating what you have now, rather than waiting until later, is a good habit to have. Being able to call your mom and dad, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandma, friends everyday and every week with someone answering on the other end is such a blessing in itself because there are so many others that wish they could do the same.

4. You've (somewhat) firmly planted your feet where you are.

This can apply to your academic, social, spirtual, and/or athletic life you have embarked on where you are at. You have become comfortable with where you are, which was not easy, but once you get to that point you don't want to get out of it. You have become comfortable in growing as a person, realizing that you don't have it all together, but you're going to make sure you have fun along the way and seize opportunities that come your way.

5. If you were meant to stay, you would have.

This could not have been more boldy stated. Being on your own, as challenging as it should be, can make you stronger and see things about yourself you wouldn't have seen if you would have stayed in your comfort zone. We aren't built for just the comfort zone. Life isn't about staying in our comfort zone, because that is not how you progress and become the best you. Stepping outside of the box and outside the realm of your reality will grow you and challenge you as a person, but only for the better.

So, when people look at you oddly because you tell them you don't miss home, tell them it's not because you're emotionless or illuded by this idea that you're suddenly a grown-up now, but simply because life goes on and it's simply just a part of growing up.