Why I chose to go to school out-of-state
I chose my school because it was the best fit for me. I didn’t necessarily choose it based on the location; however, I only applied to one school in my state. This was partly because of my major, which is very specific, but also because I’ve lived in the same house in the same small town my entire life. I wanted to venture out and live in a place I’ve never lived before. I wanted to meet new people from all over the world, which is partly why I chose to go to a large school, so I could open up my circle. My specific program is very strong at the college of my choice, and the opportunities were unbeatable here.
The hard parts
Going to school far away from home ended up being a bit harder than I expected. I’ve always been an independent person, done things on my own and never relied on anyone else for my daily responsibilities. I was ready for college, but I underestimated how much I would miss home. Leaving somewhere where I’ve spent my entire life and moving somewhere completely different where I knew no one and wasn’t surrounded by anything familiar was a massive switch. I was super exited to finally be starting college that I didn’t think about how big of a part my parents, pets, friends and location played in my life. I never thought I would get homesick because I was so filled with excitement to come to college and follow my dreams. And even though there were times that I felt homesick, the good thing is that I was enjoying college too much here to let that get in the way. I still am, everyday, and that is what counts. Two things can exist at once. There is room for all the feelings I have, the melancholic and the happy.
The double life
At times, it feels like I’m living a double life, because my life in college and my life at home are so different. Not just the locations, but my day to day activities, the people around me, the food I eat and my habits. Everything is different. However, I can appreciate both parts of my life and they seep into one another in lovely ways. My college dorm is filled with pictures of my home friends, family, pets and items from my room at home, and my room at home now has merch from my college and I find myself telling stories of my college adventures to my home friends. Going to college out of state has given me the opportunity to experience so many new things and also helped me appreciate everything I already have. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Sure, sometimes I miss home, but I miss college when I’m home too. They are both so important to me, and I think that both places can exist in my heart at once. The fact that I miss something means that it is important, and that I love it. I think that’s a beautiful thing.
