Coming from a mother who cried when I blew out the candles on every birthday I’ve had, I’ve always wondered why I never became like her. The independence I felt growing up is something that always has stuck with me and will continue throughout my college years. The ability to adapt to a new environment and leaving an old life behind may have been a foreign idea, but when the time came, I have never felt more ready. Here are a few signs that you were meant to be an out-of-state college student:
1.You moved at least once throughout your life
Whether you're in elementary, middle, or high school, moving with your family during those times could seem to be traumatic. Going through puberty with hormones going in every direction could seem like a lot, but imagine leaving all your friends and packing your life away at the same time. You could probably die once it happens, and when you finally are emotionally stable to speak to your parents again, you’ll feel a sense of maturity and independence in the end.
2. You’re convinced you have no emotion
Unless I’m watching Marley & Me or something on that emotional level, it takes a lot for me to cry or to feel at all really. I’m pretty sure my family was convinced I was raised by wolves when I was younger, but saying goodbye or venturing off on my own never seemed to upset me. I was somehow always ready for the next journey in my life on my own, no tears included (not from me at least).
3. You’re outgoing
Being a talkative and somewhat out there person has in some cases been an advantage. Moving around different parts of the country with this type of personality has made it easy to adapt and meet new people or be perfectly okay if you had to rock out by yourself sometimes...they’re loss.
4. Never being home sick
Going to a school that is hours away by car or plane can require a lot of acclimation. Although I have missed home cooked meals and clean laundry and my family from time to time, I always seemed to be okay with the fact that I couldn't go home whenever I pleased. On the other hand, whether it be constant crying phone calls or transfer papers after the first couple weeks, other people found it impossible to be away from home. Luckily, I was not one of those and I will continue to live my life without the dependance of my parents...WOOHOO FREEDOM.
5. You're able to survive on your own
Going on twenty years of life, I’m still not entirely sure why people my age are handed every little thing in life from their parents. How are you twenty years old and never had a job, but still somehow have a brand new BMW??? I sure as h*** know if you get breakfast in bed or money to get your nails done every four days that you are not going to be independent enough to go to a school outside a ten mile radius.
Going to an out of state college is not only a great opportunity for education, but also to see new places while growing as an individual and adult. My first year was filled with both the mistakes and the experiences to help me grow in many ways that wouldn't be possible if I were living under the roof of my parents.
