While growing up, I always told my parents I would go to bradley University for college. As I grew older, I reconsidered that statement. After all, at that point, I lived in Peoria for 18 years already. I loved Bradley more and more every time I visited. As I visited other schools, they just didn't appeal to me.

For me, it was the ideal university. It was the perfect size, it has good programs and it is a decent location. I knew I wanted to stay close to home. I knew I had to continue cheering on the Braves. And I knew it would be the perfect fit. The decision was so easy for me. I barely applied to other schools and three years later I couldn't be happier with my decision.

When I started college, I was scared my parents would just show up to my dorm. They didn't. But each week I realized there are so many benefits to being so close to home. A home cooked meal or cuddling with my dog is only 20 minutes away.

When I don't want to do laundry in my cricket-filled, dungeon basement, I take them home. When I don't feel like eating mac 'n' cheese and yogurt for dinner, I can go home for a home cooked meal. When I'm stressed, I can go home and cuddle with my dog. When I forget a dress for a date party or snow boots because Illinois is bipolar, my mom can just drop them off. The best is making an impulse decision to go home and say hi to the fam.

By going away to college, it is easy to feel like you're missing out on family events like birthdays and other celebrations. By being so close, it means I can attend every event and see them as much as I want.

I also have an advantage of knowing where places around Peoria are. I can recommend places to people when they want a fun place to eat or an oil change. It makes me appreciate my city so much more.

I used to think that I should've gone away to college and see what it's like to be away from my hometown. But I did that on the hilltop. I realized just how amazing my school is. It gave me a great appreciation for Peoria, a great career path filled with unlimited connections and a sorority with the most amazing girls that turned into my soulmates. I did this only twenty minutes away from home.