I have always coined the term "home" to be a feeling rather than a place. I find this feeling within my friends, situations, and etc. I was born in a little town within Virginia and have lived there for most of my life; however, I do not associate that state or city I was in as my home. My family and friends from back home allow me to feel at home but the place it self did not. I never thought a certain place would give me this feeling until I came to Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

As soon as I see the sign that says " Chapel Hill", I just feel so warm and like I belong. I couldn't tell you exactly what it is but it just feels so comfortable. The overabundance of greenery and antique buildings or the southern hospitality that I am greeted with everywhere I go makes me never want to leave this place. Not only do the city's physical features make me comfortable, it is the fact that I go to such a top renowned school here that hands me opportunities left and right. The professors, staff, custodian, construction workers, colleagues, classmates, and etc., all have goals and seeing that inspires me on a daily basis.

This was also the place that I struggled the most but wasn't stuck in the struggle mode. I left my hometown city because I could not escape the toxic vibes and I felt like I never grew when I did struggle. I felt suffocated in many ways. It was not like that in Chapel Hill. I grew and learned from my struggles and my school introduced me to some of the best people ever. When I couldn't get out of bed my freshman year or focus on my homework, my roommate would encourage me every single day to get up and at least try. My suite mates would constantly make sure that I was going to my classes and not slacking. If I did not have that support system from those people I would not have survived my freshman year. I joined a sorority and gained such genuine sisters whose friendships I will forever cherish. They listen to me, make me laugh, inspire me, and make this place feel more like home.

With my experience so far, my advice to you is to never stay in a place that you feel suffocates you or you feel as if though you are surrounded by toxicity. You are not bound to the place you grew up in. There are an abundance of little towns and cities that have the potential to be your new home so explore that. Find what makes you feel most at ease and comfortable. For the longest time, I sought that feeling from the people I surrounded myself with which is perfectly fine. However, ever since I moved to Chapel Hill on my own this summer I feel like home by just being here. When you find something like that - never let it go.