Growing up, I went on many family vacations in my younger years before my parents had gotten a divorce, but never really knew much more than my home, New Jersey.

New Jersey has always been home for me. It seemed to be the place I’d spend my whole life in, until I found myself unhappy. All throughout high school, while my parents were getting divorced, I struggled with depression. It was one of the hardest times of my life, I didn’t feel myself, I wasn’t myself. I could’t comprehend why my parents divorce had such an impact on me and everything I was doing. I felt suffocated, I just wanted to escape. I knew I needed to get away. I needed to find myself.

As the time to apply to college rolled around, and after researching many schools across the country. I had decided that Florida was where I wanted to be, specifically Tampa. I hadn't been to Tampa before, but I had heard nothing but good things about it. I felt Tampa could be that escape for me, the change I needed in my life. It was time for me to take my first major step in life, on my own. At eight-teen years old, I dove head first into what would be the best time of my life. So after getting accepted into the University of Tampa, I packed up my belongings, booked my flight and flew out to Tampa by myself without even having visited the school before hand, which was for sure risky on my part. But I didn't care, all I knew was that I needed a change, and plus it’s Florida, who doesn’t like clear blue water, sunshine and palm trees? Am I right?

Thankfully I fell in love with my school right away. The architecture of the campus, palm trees and beautiful weather gave me a sense of serenity and happiness, two things I hadn’t felt in a long time.I could finally breathe again knowing it was time for me to focus on myself and only myself. Not having to worry about anything or anyone else gave me a sense of relief.

Fast forward three years, and here I am living in Tampa, still as happy as ever. I can’t believe I’m already going to be a senior in college. These years have flown by. I can finally say I’ve found myself and found friends that I can honestly call family. I couldn’t be any happier with my decision to leave home and build a new home of my own. I fall more in love with Tampa and the people here every day. I even have learned to love myself. I have never felt more myself than I do right now, in this very moment. So to anyone out there reading this, if you are contemplating making a big change in your life, I say do it, you only have one life to live, so why not live the life you want?

Tampa has been more than just my sweetest escape, its become my home.