Editor’s Note: This is the first in a weekly series called “Meet Me in a Minute.”

She walks through the halls, sometimes with headphones in her ears to drown out the surrounding noise, but mostly with a friend at her side, conversing about a test she took last period or a new band she’s listening to. It’s her senior year and Abigail Wolf is preparing for her exciting journey outside the walls she’s been so attached to for the past four years. Abigail, or Abby for short, has her sights set on an amazing college experience…in a completely different setting.

For a lot of people, going to college means staying at home, commuting to class, and then going back to their parents’ house after. But, those who are willing and fortunate enough get to go away to a foreign state and experience college with a refreshed slate. That’s the case for Abby, who hopes to be attending the University of Wisconsin, University of Michigan or Indiana University next fall.

“Since I’m most likely going to be living in Chicago for most of my life, I’d like to see what else is out there,” Abby explains. “I’m not going to know anyone which means I’ll be all alone at first, but I’ll be able to make new friends, which is super exciting.”

Venturing off into the world takes a lot of courage and confidence. Preparing to leave the place you’ve grown up in can be really challenging.

“I’m just trying to remember and appreciate everything that I have here, hopefully it won’t be that hard to say goodbye. I’m really going to miss my friends and family because I’m so used to seeing them every day. And my mom’s cooking,” she said.

Many students have doubts about leaving home, which is normal. But, Abby advises seniors who are thinking about going to college in another state, or even country, to do it.

“Don’t hold back from doing something you want or you’re passionate about. Just because you’re afraid doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try something new!”