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Susan writes "I'm just not sure if I want to stay in my comfort zone at a not so known by many school or venture out to a whole new experience."
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<p>Count me as one vote for the whole new experience!! There's just so many reasons to do so. </p>
<p>For one, the college years should be a broadening experience where you get exposed to new people, new ideas, and so on. Step out of that comfort zone!! It doesn't mean you have to turn your back on who you are now (as so many parents fear, seemingly forgetting their own youth) but college offers a grand opportunity for a fresh look at thoughts and habits you've always taken for granted. Many people are wedded to their thoughts and beliefs; holding firm beliefs isn't wrong, but the most intelligent among us constantly question themselves and deliberately seek out other voices and points of view. </p>
<p>From a personal point of view, college also offers a time to grow and make transitions while still in a somewhat protected environment as opposed to being out in the working world and self-supporting. Being around old friends and environments can be a bit restricting here. And lets be honest, part of this is making mistakes and learning you'll survive. A sense of resiliency is critical for adults to have because life is bound to throw unpleasant surprises in the future and an inner sense that you will overcome them is important. You don't get this by reading about it, you get it by taking chances and enjoying them when they succeed, carrying on when they fail. </p>
<p>In fact not only do I suggest you go away for college, I suggest that during college you spend a semester abroad. Talk to anyone who has done this and they will tell you it was perhaps the most memorable and valuable part of their college years. Take the broadening and growth mentioned above and multiply it a hundred-fold when you go overseas. Plus its a lot of fun!! You'll get to see another country or region in a way you never would as a tourist passing through in a week or two.</p>
<p>From a business (career) point of view, there are good reasons to go away. Unless you're planning on a career in the most provincial of fields, your job will involve exposure to people from other backgrounds and areas. What better time to start to develop skills in relating to others than in college? Second, counting too much on the local opportunities may be a mistake. The local business opportunities will either be there when you're done with college, or they won't. If they are, you can always come back to them and will be more valuable due to broadening experiences you had in college. If they aren't, then you didn't choose a college based on a misperception of what would be waiting for you when you finished.</p>
<p>As for making new friends at school, don't forget that most people are in the same boat. They're in a new situation and will be looking to meet new people, just like you. In fact many people look forward to the college years as a time to make a new start; your HS friends impression of you is set in concrete, but in college you can "reinvent" yourself and bring out parts of your personality that the people around you are blind to. Just don't be a hermit at the start of school; meet people in your classes, in the dorms, and you'll be just fine.</p>