| Editor's Note: If you would like to submit a question to Deborah, email info@athenamagazineforgirls.com with "Dear Deborah" in the subject line or complete the form below. Not all questions can be answered, however, if your question is chosen, only your first name, age, and state will be published. Dear Deborah, I'm applying to college next year. I can't decide if I should look at colleges close to my home or if I should take a chance and move across the country! I need some advice. ~ Liz, 17, Atlanta -------------------------------------- Dear Liz, The obvious perk of going away for school is that you get to be on your own. This could be a great opportunity to take responsibility for yourself, and enjoy a new sense of freedom. On the flip side, staying local means you are never far from a home cooked meal and that extra support only a family can provide. (And lets not forget it’s a lot cheaper going back and forth on breaks!) In considering which of these is more appealing to you, you have to consider what type of person you are. Have you been the type of person to get excessively homesick or are you looking for a totally new environment? Do you feel you need those familiar faces within reach or would you be fine with email and a phone call? Another thing to think about is that college is a time of exploration and self discovery. You have to ask yourself what it is you'd like to discover—what you want out of your college experience and life beyond. For example, maybe you live in the country and would like to take a turn at city life, or vice versa. Maybe there are opportunities that only certain area can provide. If all that is still up in the air, you might find a big change helpful to find out who it is you are and what it is you want. Staying close to home or going away for college comes down to what you are comfortable with and what will afford you the best possible experience for who you are and what you want. (And on a side note, if you find you made the wrong decision, there's always the transfer application). ~Deborah |
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