Moving away was the right choice for me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Adulting

Moving away was the right choice for me

Stepping outside of my comfort zone

157
Moving away was the right choice for me

Moving away for college wasn't the easiest decision. I grew up wrapped around my dad's finger, attending family grill-outs every Monday, and spending my free time attending cousins' sporting events. My whole world revolved around being with my family and I absolutely loved every second of it. Aside from being attached at the hip to each member of my family, my friends were also my rock. Sitting in my friends' living rooms, watching movies, and laughing until we cried made my heart warm. I never would have thought I would move 134 miles away from my home.

For as long as I can remember I told my mom that I would live at home and go to the local college. Every time I said that she would roll her eyes and say, "No you are not!!" I was headstrong on this decision until my junior year of high school. I started looking at the best schools for my major and most were hundreds of miles away from me. I knew that if I wanted to receive the best education for what I wanted to do in the future, I would have to move.

After choosing a school that was 3 hours away, time felt like it was speeding up each day and move-in day was getting closer and closer. I constantly questioned if I made the right decision. Little did I know that this would be the best decision I ever made.

Before moving away, I was someone who would follow the crowd. I never knew who my real friends were, I just wanted to be like everyone else. I knew that in order to break out of my comfort zone and pop my personal bubble that stopped me from being who I truly was, I needed to cut the apron strings.

Moving wasn't easy and the transition was far from perfect. I would cry myself to sleep most nights and contemplate transferring every single day. But day by day it got easier and I began to love where I was living and the person I was slowly becoming. I was becoming a more independent, confident, and happier person as I entered my second semester. Today, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

Each summer, as August rolls around, a confusing rush of feelings overwhelm me for the weeks leading up to moving back to school. I am filled with excitement about going back to school with my friends but also a sense of sadness as each summer I make more and more friendships and connections with people. Sitting at my favorite bar, with my favorite people I am always bombarded with questions like, "So, when are you transferring?" or "How about you don't leave and just stay?" I would be lying if I didn't say the thoughts cross my mind every single time. But, my answer is always the same. "Trust me, you want me to go back to school because if I didn't go to school there, we wouldn't be sitting here right now. I would be sitting in my room, listening to a sad song, dreaming of a life I wish I had." This is the life I always dreamed of wanting. Surrounded by people who want to see me and happy with the person that I am. I wouldn't be living this life if I didn't move away and step outside my comfort zone.

Being away from home only makes me appreciate it even more. I get excited to see my friends again. I get excited thinking of the many hugs I will receive. I get excited to know that I am loved from 134 miles away. I am a completely different person than I was three years ago. I broke free from that insecure, shy, and close-minded person I was the second I left my childhood home. I am proud of the woman I have grown into and get excited about what the future will hold.

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

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

1300
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

4501
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

2768
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

202163
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments