There is a lot more to college than classes and books. It’s experience. It’s a time to further prepare ourselves for our future – we’ve been cradled long enough. And for this very reason, I refuse to go anywhere
within a 500-mile radius of St. Peters.

I want to teach myself about being on my own. I want to force myself to adapt to my surroundings. I want to learn to cook on a budget. While many argue that it’s important to stay “close to home,” it’s important to keep in mind that no one can realistically revolve their entire lives around this purpose. College is a time for transition. During high school, we rely – for the main part – on our parents. College gives us the opportunity to separate ourselves from them while continuing to lean on them for support. After college, we are on our own. Even though our parents are still there, they are no longer responsible for us. We must then be independent. Staying local for college prevents us from properly preparing ourselves for this vital lesson. Missouri is in the heartland. There is so much around us. The opportunities are endless. It’s just time to reach a little farther for them.

Leaving your friends, leaving your family, leaving your home. This is hard for most people, it will be for me. When you grow up somewhere the majority of your life and have experienced so much there – through the fun times and the heart breaks – why would you want to leave? Everyone is going to grow up and move on with their lives; some of us will be heading to college. When I go on my way I still want to keep in contact with friends and family. Why attend a college halfway across the country when you can choose one close to your home? Why hold a relationship together by phone when you can hold it together by presence.
One of the worst parts about going away for college is that it’s higher in tuition. Why choose an out of state college that has the same options for education as one that is close to your home? Why spend extra money and in ten years be swarmed with loans? Moving to a new place will give you new experiences, but is it worth it? You can go on a trip anytime. If you stay close, you will have loved ones around to help you. Your home is who you are, why leave that behind?