Living 18 years in a "college" town is not easy. As soon as you go to high school, it feels like people are forcing you to go to that college in your hometown. When you are a senior in high school, about 80 percent of your graduating class will go to the college only five minutes away. The other 20 percent are the lucky ones that get out. Sure, I applied to that college five minutes away, and yes, I got accepted. But at 18 years old, I felt like going away for college was exactly what I needed. And it was, indeed.

You always hear people say that "the ones that are always talking about leaving their hometown, are the ones that never end up leaving to begin with." Being a senior in high school means figuring out the rest of your life before you graduate. One choice you have to make is if college is a go or a no go. For me, I was set on going to college far away. I could not wait. I could not wait to finally be away from my family, to finally make new friends, and to finally start figuring out who I am. So many options, so little time, but out of all the emails and letters, one college stuck out to me the most.

I still remember the college visit like it was just yesterday. Thinking about being exactly two hours away from home was such a scary thought. I thought I was so ready to live on my own, but turns out I wasn't. I couldn't just yell for mom in the next room over or go downstairs and get something to eat whenever I felt like it. College was such a "grown up" thing, and at only 18 years old, I'm not sure I was all that grown up. But, the second I stepped onto campus, the atmosphere was so clear. Everyone I met that day, was so friendly. I just got this happy feeling being there. And in that moment, is when I decided this was the place for me.

Three years have passed, I don't regret my decision to go to college away from home at all. There are times where I miss my family, but I make sure to spend as much time as I can with them during holiday breaks. My college friends are the absolute best and I'm excited I get the opportunity to room with them. I have made so many memories, some that will never be replaced. School isn't a breeze, but working hard and always studying will help you be successful. So for anyone who gets the chance to leave home to attend a college, I highly recommend taking that newfound journey. College away from home teaches you that sometimes it is OK to be on your own, you learn so much about yourself in the process.