If you asked me in person, I would probably tell you all the benefits of going to school 2,000+ miles away. The amount of independence you learn to have, how amazing it is learning and being a part of a completely new culture, and having an unlimited amount of opportunities to get involved with on campus.

I do believe this and I have experienced this during my time in college thus far. However, aside from the smiling and posed Instagram pictures, I do sometimes wish I could make a stop home at Denville Dairy for some Oreos and cream ice cream.

Going to school across the country means you’ll have to wait three more months to watch Modern Family with your parents instead of being able to surprise them for the weekend via a two-hour drive home. If campus seems insane and you just need a getaway weekend, your friends all go home but you’re stuck in your dorm.

There are days where this campus feels like the furthest thing from home. It can be difficult to find a core group of reliable people. Back home, you are with friends that know your whole life story, have met your parents, babysat your little brother, but at college, it isn’t like that. I know for me, as the years go on, I know who is truly there for me and who could care less.

I have wasted time helping people that would never return the favor or have the same consideration for me, but I have also made friends that would pick me up when I am stranded 2.5 hours away. In moments of crisis, it would be great to have family in the same general vicinity.

It’s all a learning lesson that quality of friends for sure beats quantity, but nonetheless, it can be very defeating at times. I am very fortunate for the amount of support and love that my parents show and give to me. When being so far from your physical home, your friends become your “home.”

However, I have also gained so much attending a school so far away. I am now able to adapt to all weather climates, personality types, and situations. Whether I have to present in front of a multi-cultural club, plan an event for 400 people, wear pants in 96-degree weather, or deal with advising a student in their academic career, I am confidently able to do so.

I have been given so many opportunities for self-growth by moving across the country, that I don’t think I would have been given if I had stayed close to home.

With my nervous senior-year-self in mind, trying to pick a college, I think I would be very proud of who I am becoming. I have learned that some days will be more challenging than others and grades do not define who you are.

The ability to make a far away place a home is a great skill to have, especially while growing up. Weekly Sunday dinners at Panera Bread with my close friends help to keep me sane, focused, and excited for the coming week.

Monday’s will forever be rough days, but when Friday rolls around, I am happy to be at the University of Arizona, surrounded by so many possibilities for adventure. I like the challenge that this school presented me with, academically and physically; however, some days, I’d have to admit, it would be pretty nice to go home and give my parents a hug.

Waiting 3 months to go home means that I treasure the time I do have at home so much more and appreciate spending quality time with those I love in our suburb of New Jersey.