California. A state of eternal summer and possibilities. It baffles Minnesotans when they realize I voluntary decided to pursue my undergrad studies in Central Minnesota. Why, they ask, would you leave warm weather and possibilities for hellish winters and small towns?

1. I was tired of the eternal summer.

Yes, I said it. Summer is California is hell. Sure, there are days where you just can't believe you get to enjoy and savor the sun. What some fail to mention are the wildfires and how insanely hot it gets. Even your sweat is sweating. Too much of a good thing isn't always sunshine and rainbows.

2. It was killing me.

Okay, not exactly. California didn't decide one day that it had a vendetta against me. The pollution was killing me. Staying in my comfort zone was killing my chance at a future elsewhere.

3. I needed something new.

Very cliche, I know. I needed - no, I wanted to experience culture shock, new situations, and place myself in an environment where I knew nothing. I was tired of the same old routine and needed a new start for a future that I would work for.

4. I wanted to leave home.

Home is where the heart is. In my case, it's not. Home suffocated me and drained me of energy. I was bitter, negative. My heart wasn't home. I needed to break away from my family to discover myself, and I knew that staying there would be a bad idea when I wanted to discover myself by starting with a clean slate.

5. I wanted a real winter.

Boy, did I get a winter.

6. I wanted to break stereotypes.

As a self identified Chicana, I knew of the stereotypes surrounding people of color, particularly Latinxs. People said I was bound to be ''knocked up'' in high school and drop out. Didn't happen. I was going to end up cleaning houses. Didn't happen, but if it did, I'd be proud of it. I'd flaunt it. There's nothing wrong with making an honest living.

Now, here I am in my final year of college, ready to move on to bigger and possibly better things. Yes, I am scared of what lies ahead, but I know I can manage. I made it this far. There are no limits to growth. Until then, I hope this years winter will give us mercy.