It is so easy for us to always seek the approval of others. From spending 20 minutes deciding on an Instagram caption, to putting make up on for class, and always asking other people's opinions.

I'm the first to talk as it is something I have clung to my whole life. It is so easy to get caught up in what others think, instead of listening to where our heart is leading us. This past year, I learned why it's important to listen to your heart, and not the opinion of others.

Last spring, I studied abroad in Nicaragua. It was an opportunity to step away from everything and everyone I knew and really reflect upon life. These thoughts that had been suppressed to the back of my mind came forefront, free of the pressure of other's opinions.

Transferring schools had always been a thought in the back of my head.

My boyfriend and I had been attending school 9+ hours apart for the past 3 years. All of the "what ifs" came rushing forward.

I thought my life was so set.

I was in a combined bachelors-masters program for occupational therapy. I was a college cheerleader. I had the high school sweetheart. It seemed to everyone else that I had everything together. When the truth was I sacrificed a lot of my happiness for this idea of "having it all together."

In Nicaragua, I really listened to my heart, without worrying what anyone else would think.

I took a psychology class I really enjoyed, which made me question my major. I started thinking about applying to Mississippi State, where my boyfriend goes to school. It had always been in the back of my mind.

It was scary at first. I never wanted to be *that girl who followed her boyfriend* to school. I never wanted to be seen as weak or dependent. But I also knew that if I was going to transfer, this would be my last chance. I knew the "what If's" wouldn't go away if I didn't.

And the truth is, I am not that girl that transferred for her boyfriend, even though I knew that is what most people would think.

I transferred for myself, and my own happiness. I transferred to explore a new major, and I now plan on pursuing a degree in clinical psychology. I transferred here because of an amazing scholarship.

I transferred here because I did not want to endure another 3.5 years of being apart from my best friend.

Yeah, people probably judged me for it. It was even difficult to get my parents to come around.

At first, I hated telling people because I knew that they would no longer see me as the girl who has everything together. But I soon realized that following my heart was the best decision I could have made.

I am happier now than ever.

I don't feel like I am living a life to fulfill the expectations of others, but one for myself. So I am here to tell you, don't be afraid. Have the courage to really step outside and listen to your deepest desires.

And when you find them, don't let what other people think hold you back.

Here's my story