Leaving college was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make. I kept asking myself if it was really worth it to drop everything I worked for and to go back home with my tail between my legs. I had struggled tremendously with self-harm, depression, and I was even diagnosed with bipolar disorder just months after dropping out. I needed all the help I could get, so I left college and went home to seek treatment. Taking a semester off was definitely one of the smartest (and most difficult) choices I made, and I highly recommend it to anyone else who may be struggling. College is a challenge and you deserve to give your best effort, so being in a healthy state-of-mind is more important than anything.

Taking a semester off gives you the chance to grow up and develop as a person while also giving you the ability to get a job and make some decent money. I spent almost an entire year in the working world and in treatment, and this is a list of 7 things I learned while taking the semester off.

1. I missed having class and homework.

Believe it or not, I really missed learning. Going to class every day is something I took for granted and taking a break from school really opened my eyes to the idea that learning and homework were something I really enjoyed. I had plenty of time to keep myself busy with books and reading while I was home for the semester, but it just wasn’t the same.

2. Going back to school can be overwhelming.

Imagine being away from school for almost a year and then randomly being thrown a tremendous amount of assignments and readings that weigh you down. This is what coming back to school generally feels like. My first day returning to class was very overwhelming as I watched assignment after assignment pile on top of me. Using time management and organization, I managed to balance my work efficiently.

3. I missed dining hall food.

Having an endless selection of food to choose from isn’t a common occurrence in life, but one instance in which it is common is in college! Every morning, I’d find myself surrounded by an infinite assortment of food and taking a semester off made me realize how convenient it is to live this way. Dining hall food may not be the best food you’ve ever eaten, but it sure as hell is the most convenient.

4. I learned to appreciate my parents more.

Taking a semester off made me realize how important my parents are to me. Not only did they help me during recovery, but they were also the largest support system I could have asked for. I couldn’t have gotten back into college without their tremendous support and kind advice.

5. I learned that you can’t depend on others.

Perhaps one of the hardest lessons I had to learn was not to depend on others too strongly. Going away to college made me realize that I needed to take care of myself and that my parents would no longer be there every day to take care of me. I also learned not to depend too heavily on friends or acquaintances, because they’re trying just as hard to take care of themselves.

6. I learned to appreciate my high school friends.

While going away to college may create distance from your high school friends, taking a semester off gave me the chance to reconnect with them and create an even stronger friendship. They were all very supportive during my recovery and they all vowed to stay by my side, even after going back to college months later.

7. It was worth it.

I may have driven myself into debt and I may have lost many friends, but in the end, it was entirely worth it. I learned so much during my semester away from college and I wouldn’t have wished for things to turn out any different. Personally, I think everyone deserves a semester away from where they go to school, so they can find time to relax and to earn some money. If you’re struggling, a semester off would benefit you both emotionally and academically. Sometimes, we need a break from school. I know I needed one and taking time off was one of the best decisions I ever made.