For me, the college process was a time of self-discovery: figuring out what I wanted my life to look like after high school, what goals and aspirations I had and what my ideal school looked like. Although I had no idea where I wanted to go to college at the beginning of the application process, going out of state to a new region of the country was for certain. I will now be attending the University of Texas at Austin, which I never would’ve guessed for myself a year ago, but I am excited for the new opportunities college will bring.

I’ve wanted to travel far for college since I was little, but this dream didn’t come from a feeling of hating where I grew up. I loved growing up in Skokie, and I will forever be grateful for how this area, the people I’ve met, the places I’ve been and the schools I’ve attended have shaped who I am today. Skokie and the Chicago area will forever be my home and I would be very happy if I were staying here as well. However, I’ve always wanted to live in a different location to open my eyes to different environments, climates and cultures. When I picture myself living in Austin, I picture myself having experiences I never would’ve imagined at home. I think living somewhere else will broaden my horizons, shape who I am as a person and give me new perspectives on life.

When I visited the school, I fell in love with the vibrant city and the extremely impressive journalism program, which is what I dream of studying. All of these factors came together to create my perfect college decision. All this to say, there is still a part of me that is a little nervous and sad to leave. Although I know I am ready to be independent, it is very hard to think I will be living so far away from my family and friends. I haven’t fully realized that my lifestyle will be completely different, as sometimes I feel like I take for granted living at home and seeing all my high school friends on a daily basis.

With all that being said, I am extremely grateful I was given the opportunity to even go out of state for college. I am grateful for the friends and people I have met that I hope will be by my side forever, Niles West and my previous schools for shaping me into who I am today and most importantly for my family’s endless support and for giving me an amazing childhood that makes saying goodbye to it very hard. Another thing I am extremely grateful for is FaceTime and transportation being very easy nowadays. I find much comfort in knowing that my loved ones are either one plane ride away or one phone call away. I know this is a jump that I have to take, one that is going to bring brand new experiences, lessons, people and a fulfillment of my childhood dream.