2 answers
Nirali
Student
Laredo, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
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Is leaving my hometown worth it?
I am a current high school senior in Laredo, Texas, exploring different college options. While I know I want to stay in Texas, I am open to opportunities in cities such as San Antonio, Kingsville, or Waco. However, I am also taking into consideration the additional expenses and the uncertainty that comes with such a big transition. As the oldest child and a first-generation student, this experience feels both exciting and intimidating, but I am determined to make the best decision for my future.
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2 answers
Katie Ross, NREMT
EMS
4
Answers
East Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Katie’s Answer
You should do it. If you have the financial means, do it. You should explore all opportunities that come your way, be adventurous! I moved from Minnesota to Michigan for college, and it was super scary at first since I knew no one. These opportunities are only what you make of it, so if you are going to try, you need to fully commit. Go out and try new things! You're still in state so going back home is an option if you decide it's not for you, but give yourself an adjustment period before making any huge choices. Go for it!
Greg Fazekas
Technical Writer
15
Answers
Pécs, Hungary
Updated
Greg’s Answer
YES. Sorry for the all caps, but I cannot not shout it. Yes it's absolutely worth it. If for nothing else, seeing the world. You can't put a price tag on that.
But, I also understand the realities. So if you can't physically leave, leave in spirit. Become the world within your hometown. Read a lot, connect with people from all over the world. Find opportunities that can take you places, even if you return right after.
As practical advice, maybe try to change the way you think about vacations. What if you went away not to "relax" but to experience a different place, a different community, a different world from your own? It's low-risk, high-reward. Do it a couple of times, and build on it. Maybe you won't leave your hometown right away, but you can collect these experiences and use them to open doors in the future.
I never left my hometown for college. And yet I spent the last 15+ years traveling the world, from Iceland to South-East Asia. You can start any time, and if financial security is important to you, you can use the safety and predictability of your hometown to build the foundation that'll allow you to travel later.
But, I also understand the realities. So if you can't physically leave, leave in spirit. Become the world within your hometown. Read a lot, connect with people from all over the world. Find opportunities that can take you places, even if you return right after.
As practical advice, maybe try to change the way you think about vacations. What if you went away not to "relax" but to experience a different place, a different community, a different world from your own? It's low-risk, high-reward. Do it a couple of times, and build on it. Maybe you won't leave your hometown right away, but you can collect these experiences and use them to open doors in the future.
I never left my hometown for college. And yet I spent the last 15+ years traveling the world, from Iceland to South-East Asia. You can start any time, and if financial security is important to you, you can use the safety and predictability of your hometown to build the foundation that'll allow you to travel later.