Do it.

When I was making my college decision I was stuck between two schools: Stockton University and University of Hawaii at Manoa. It’s important to add that I am from a small town in New Jersey and going 4,000 miles away from home was not common.

Now you’re probably thinking why would anyone choose against Hawaii? I had an opportunity to experience a whole new lifestyle and for some reason I was choosing against it. Every time I thought about attending that UHM I became so excited for college. So what was holding me back? I was set on staying close, only an hour away from home, just like everyone else. It was a trend that I was afraid of breaking. When people asked me where I wanted to go to college, they rarely believed me when I said Hawaii. I was told that there was no way I could receive a good education in Hawaii, that I would fail/drop out, and that I was ruining my future. I started to believe that it was childish for me to go far from home when I could receive the same education, be closer to home and pay instate tuition, until I realized my decision wasn’t about “them”.

I wasn’t looking to go to Hawaii just to go on a very long vacation. I did countless hours of research about the college including, how long it took the average student to graduate, the jobs students received after graduating, cost of living, the class schedules, etc. So make sure you know the ins and outs of your chosen college. It’s not all about the location.

Don’t let the social norm stop you. No matter what you decide, it will only impact your life and no one else. Who is everyone else to say that you can’t or shouldn’t go far away for college? But be realistic. Don’t go across the country for college just to go far without having logical reasons to support your decision. Have an idea of your intended major and the options available to you at that college.

The most important thing I can tell anyone stuck on their decision, is to go for it. There are only a few short years of your life that you have to explore new places and experiences and college is the perfect opportunity. I've had the most amazing time in college so far and I wouldn't change my decision. I've met people from all around the world and learned the ways of a new lifestyle. I’m not saying to drop everything and get on a 13 hour flight like me but consider your options. No matter what college you go to, you’re still leaving home.

Going far away isn’t for everyone but for the ones that are considering the distance, just do it. It is not the end of the world if you end up not liking the distance because transferring is an option. I promise you will learn more about yourself than you could ever imagine. Maybe you try the distance and it ends up not being your style but at least you tried. You’ll never know if you don’t take the chance. Don’t let your college decision be another “what if?” Follow your gut & run with it.