When I was in high school and was searching for the college of my dreams, I knew exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to go to a school that was several hours away from home. I wanted to move away to be on my own and get the "real college experience." I was ready to be independent. Well, it turns out God had something else in mind for me.

I quickly found the perfect college I had been looking for — Lipscomb University — but it was only a mere 30 minute drive from my home in Franklin. Most people would be ecstatic to find their ideal school so close to home, but I was conflicted. Should I go to this school and stay in Nashville, or should I keep searching to see what else is out there? Would it lessen my "real college experience" to go to a school that is a shorter drive from my house than my dad's office is? After I made the final decision to attend Lipscomb, I quickly saw why staying close to home for college was a blessing in disguise.

1. It makes being forgetful a little less bad.

I am the kind of person that moved into my dorm on the first day of the school year and quickly realized I forgot something. Or several somethings. But never fear, because with only a short drive down the interstate, I had my stuff in no time.

2. I have somewhere to escape to.

As we all know, school and people can get stressful when you'e constantly bombarded and can't get away from it. Luckily for me, I can easily drive home and spend some time away from the stress to get some work done or even just relax.

3. I know my way around.

When I "moved away" to school, I didn't have to go through the stress of learning where everything is and figuring out all of the roads. While I didn't spend much of my high school career running around this part of Nashville, I knew my way around more than some, which proved to be helpful.

4. I can hold a solid job.

I love my job, and it's really great that when I go home for summer break or Christmas, I'm really not going anywhere. I am able to keep working and easily maintain my job.

5. I never have to miss my family.

I'm busy, so I probably see my family about as much as someone who moved across the country. But it helps to know they're not too far away. On the rare occasion that I find a free moment, I can take some time to go home and be with my family. It is nice for them, too, because they are able to come support me in everything that I do from running the spotlight for the spring musical to being on stage or even coming to a pastry party for my social club. They are always willing and ready to be my solid support system. The same goes for me. I am able to go home and watch my brother fulfill his passion as he coaches high school baseball, and I can see my sister-in-law lead worship on a Wednesday night at church. It's the little things, you know?

Even though going to school 30 minutes away from my childhood home was not my ideal idea of a college experience, I wouldn't do anything differently now that I'm here. I have still experienced college like anyone else, and I have loved every minute of it. Being close to home is just a little bonus that adds onto the joy that college has brought me. I am a very independent person, but I will forever be thankful for my decision to experience college close to home.