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Why You Should Leave Home For College

Stepping outside of your comfort zone allows you to grow.

HunterMcPherson

Nov 20, 2018

East Carolina University

328

Hunter McPherson

The thought of having to leave everything you've ever known to go to a new place can be very unsettling, especially if you're completely alone like I was. I left my small hometown in North Carolina to go to East Carolina University, a large university about four hours away. The summer before I left, I was an emotional wreck. I didn't want to leave and part of me thought I wouldn't be able to.

Luckily, I did and here are a few reasons why going away for college was the BEST decision that I have ever made.

"If we were meant to stay in once place, we'd have roots instead of feet." - Rachel Wolchin

1. It's a fresh start.

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The thing I loved most about going to school four hours away is that I could start over and finally grow into the person I was supposed to be. Don't get me wrong, I love home, but sometimes growing up in sheltered environments can stunt your growth by not giving you the many opportunities you need to reach your full potential.

2. You will find yourself.

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In high school I was never a straight "A" student, I wasn't very organized, and I didn't have many dreams outside of my small town. Finding myself in Greenville, NC allowed me to dig deep and see myself for who I really am, which is someone completely different than the person who grew up in a that little town. I have had opportunities and experiences that I never would of been able to have if I didn't go away.

3. You will meet all kinds of people.

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My biggest fear going into my freshmen year was that I would be alone and make no new friends, which was ridiculous. By going four hours away, I was forced to put myself out there and meet new people. The good thing about it is, everyone is looking for new friends and you WILL meet people just like you, even if you're not from the same place.

4. You will become independent.

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Sure, being able to take your laundry home twice a week for your mom to do is ideal, but not realistic when it comes to growing up. If I have gained one thing from moving away from home for college, its independence. Leaving home definitely required me to grow up, fast. For example, before my freshmen year I had never even went to the doctor alone, so It's okay if you don't know what you're doing at first, everyone has to learn at some point.

5. You will appreciate home so much more.

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Let me just say this, you will never want a home cooked meal more than you do when you come home for the first time after being away. The little things about home that we often take for granted become so much more special when we don't get them as often.

I can honestly say throwing myself into a situation that made me uncomfortable was the best thing for me. I was able to spread my wings in a new environment that allowed me to grow into the person that I am today.

XOXO,

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Why You Should Leave Home For College

Stepping outside of your comfort zone allows you to grow.

In This Article:

1. It's a fresh start.

​2. You will find yourself.​

3. You will meet all kinds of people.

4. You will become independent.

5. You will appreciate home so much more.

XOXO,

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1. When course schedules are released and you have a conflict between two required classes.

2. When there is only one section of a popular course.

3. Receiving the 18,000 emails reminding you to register ASAP.

4. When you need to see an advisor, but they are too busy/unresponsive.

5. Trying not to dress like a bum for your appointments with your advisors/department heads.

6. When you have a perfectly planned out schedule, and one class ruins it.

7. Carefully moving things around to accommodate a different class/section.

8. Waking up at 6:00 a.m. for your enrollment time.

9. Concocting a new schedule at your enrollment time after your original plan gets changed.

10. Getting into a class and filling the last available seat.

11. When all of your classes finally go through.

12. Realizing that you forgot a class that was a pre-requisite for everything else.

When your capability of "adulting" is put to the test

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"Nobody living in one of the most influential nations in the world should be worried about making ends meet."

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What are the benefits of raising the minimum wage?

What are the states that have set a $15/hour minimum wage?

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1. When you have to provide an "interesting fact" for your first day ice-breaker.

2. When your professor is babbling on and on in his lecture.

3. When you edit your friend's paper and they get an A.

4. When it's 2 AM and you remember you have a test tomorrow.

5. When you finish taking the test and you're pretty sure you failed...

6. ...but then you get the test back and somehow passed.

7. When you've been up for 12 hours straight writing a paper.

8. And then you manage to stay awake in class the next day.

9. When you have to butter up your professor for an extra credit opportunity.

10. When you're assigned a group project.

11. And your group-mates are trying to chat about life instead of the assignment.

12. When it's your last class of the day and you're about to go home.

13. But then you remember rent is due tonight and the anger comes back.

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2. You will find yourself.

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