"Oh, the places I'll go!"

Chapter One: Watch me

I come from a very close-knit family. Shockingly the furthest anyone has moved was 45 minutes away. I think it's a bit harder for my siblings to venture off into the unknown for some reason. I mean they really have no need to, they get home cooked meals on Sunday and free child care. As for me I've always been curious about what is outside our small little hometown of a bubble.

“Adamary comes from a very close-knit family. I don't think she will go anywhere outside of Winona for college”

When I was searching for colleges to go to I never considered staying in my hometown. The reason being, one of my friends told me that a mutual family friend had told her that he didn't see me leaving my hometown. That just gave me more strength to go out of my comfort zone and try something completely new and unfamiliar. Of course I was scared, but I needed to leave in order to grow. It was honestly the best decision I've ever made.

Do I Dare

I started off looking at grad schools in Minnesota, specifically in the Twin Cities. It would be the safest location for me to attend because it’s close to my parents, I'll get in state tuition, and I would be in the same city as my boyfriend. Although I can’t shake the thought of living and attending school in Colorado, it would be such a big risk. I would be far away from family and on top of that I would be alone, but there are more schools in Colorado with the degree I want to pursue. I also looked at St. Mary's University which is located in Winona. I feel as though it would save me so much money to be living at home, and I would have a good support system with my family to count on, but at the same time I feel like I'm taking a step back. I know there is nothing wrong with going back home, and I would just be there until I earn my degree, but I can’t help thinking that I might get too comfortable and stay. There are a lot of positives and negatives for both going home and flying further from the nest, and even though I am going to apply to multiple schools I need to do what’s best for me and my future.

“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I know I have good intuition and that I would make the best decision for myself. Everything happens for a reason and I know I would be led to an ideal path that is right for me. I still have to look into more schools, but I think I have a good start!