For years, I have wished to grow up. I longed to have my own family, career, home, and complete adult life. However, watching so many around me move away, my mindset has slightly altered. Moving away to college is a topic I have become skeptical of in recent years. I desire advanced education and become excited by the idea of freedom. However, it is that very freedom that disrupts my thinking. The thought of being dropped off in a foreign city, surrounded by predominantly unfamiliar people makes college seem like less of a dream and more of a nightmare.

            College helps teenagers to be independent; however, meeting people and going to new places can be alarming in today’s world. Often teenagers select a college based on their plans for the future. Every young adult’s dream differs from those around them. Frequently, the college a student selects is not the same as the people that the student is close to, resulting in the student approaching the next step alone. Society of 2024 would not be considered a safe place for a young person to be completely independent. Adults are no longer advised to walk down the street alone, day or night. As a result, moving to college will force a teenager to meet new people, make new friends, and step out of their comfort zones. However, the society of 2024 has proven that not every person can be trusted. There are dangerous people in the world, and often young people are sheltered from risk. Moving out into the real world and facing the difficulties college has to offer is an eye-opening experience that so many face each year.

            Going outside of comforts zones, meeting new people, and becoming independent are all important milestones in becoming an adult. College will be nerve wracking and at times horrifying but will be extremely beneficial in the end. I, personally, will attack these difficulties while also never letting my guard down. I will be sure to keep myself out of dangerous situations, and still reap all the benefits that the new life has to offer.