Have you ever felt the need to just get away from everything? I have. We all crave that.

The power to just stop everything and focus on what matters is very important to me. I have lived in Maryland for almost all of my life, and now that senior year is here, and the time for applying to colleges has begun, I can finally focus on what matters to me.

I’ve applied to all out-of-state schools. Some question my reasoning, especially because of how expensive it can be. Though I do agree that tuition for out-of-state students can be very high, I have not let that shatter my way of thinking. Each year, students go through this process and reject offers to good schools because they cannot afford it. For those who choose to attend an expensive, out-of-state school, the amount of debt that students can have coming out of college is hard to deal with.

Growing up in Maryland was great, and I do not disagree that there are many great schools in Maryland, but I believe that there is a whole other world to see besides this one state on the east coast. I have always believed in surpassing limitations. I feel that I cannot accomplish this in Maryland. Don’t get me wrong; for some this may be the perfect place to start their life and a great place for the elderly to settle, but in my life, much is left to be done. Traveling around to different places will, ultimately, broaden my horizon and take me to places that I can only imagine.

Applying to colleges out-of-state is the beginning for me. An out of state school will open my eyes to new adventures, new lifestyles, and new cultures. Going away will also give me the chance to recreate myself into the person I know I can be. I have always been one who loves a mystery. Growing up in this area has molded me into a great person and has set me up with strong morals and habits. Maryland is a great place.

Throughout my high school years, college has been something I have looked forward to. College is the start of a new life and new career path. In May of this year, I will graduate, and a few months later I will be driving off to the school of my choice. I can’t imagine the amount of excitement I will have as it all begins. Despite the potential drawbacks, I strongly recommend that you apply at least to one out of state school.