When I was deciding on a university, I had one main goal: to get out of my hometown. It’s utterly hilarious to be asked where your hometown is and reply “Tallahassee.” Everyone’s reaction is the same, disbelief. Unlike popular belief, I did not grow up at the strip or party with frat guys as a kid, nor did anyone else from Tallahassee. I had a pretty normal life, but I knew I wanted to leave home eventually. Ordinary wasn’t enough for me.

I feared that if I stayed there for college I would never leave. I have seen far too many people’s lives end that way - stuck in a cycle of doing the same sh*t they did in high school. At some point, everyone has to grow up. I was ready for that, to move on and find bigger things and new opportunities.

I don’t really know how I came to my decision, but I decided to go to UCF. Four hours away from home seemed perfect. It’s just a drive away, but my parents can’t just show up anytime they feel like they miss me. I also felt like UCF would be a good place because I didn’t know many people planning on going there. It would force myself to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people.

In my head, I was sure that I was going to be at this new place, all alone and would have to find all new friends. Turns out, two of my very best friends decided to attend college here. I would never have guessed that they would be stuck with me for another four years. It has been such a blessing to have them here by my side and to see them grow and thrive in different aspects of their lives. We all do our own things, but at the end of the day will always be there for each other.

Moving has also given me so many new people to share things with. The people I have met in college have been so diverse and each friendship has given me something new to hold on to and carry with me. Even if it’s just a simple friendship in class, where you say hi and study together, it probably meant something to me. Additionally, I have made such great friendships with my sisters in my sorority. Joining Greek life truly makes the campus seem smaller and you can really find “your people.” My big is one of the coolest people I have had the privilege to know here and live my life with. There are so many people in my life now that are so important to me and I would never have met them if I didn’t move.

Finally, living on my own has taught me so many different things about life. First, I can’t control every situation and things are going to go wrong, but usually, those things can be fixed. I had to figure out very quickly how to do things on my own, such as chaining a light in my car. Independence is a great thing. I love being able to plan my days however I want, but with that comes responsibility. No one made me get up in the morning and go to class. I had to do it myself.

The most important thing I’ve learned is that life is what you make of it. Everyone has the opportunity to be great, but it doesn’t mean everyone will be great. I have learned to motivate myself each day, with a greater goal of the future ahead.