College is known to be an experience whose memories last a lifetime. For some, this is where the future Mr. and Mrs. are found and where once in a lifetime opportunities are given and received. If deciding to attend college, many choose a college near home, while other choose college away from home. As a freshman student at Hampton University, I can truly say this is one of the best choices I could have ever made. I strongly believe that attending college out-of-state is one of the best decisions any student could make in search of their college experience. By invoking upon the journey of attending an out-of-state school one gains mental growth and independence, has exposure to cultural diversity and most importantly must be able to adapt to the new and unfamiliar collegiate atmosphere.
             One of the most important things acquired by attending college away from home is obtaining a sense of self and true independence. College is an experience of personal reflection and growth. Here, there is no longer anyone telling you to clean your room, to do your homework, or to wash clothes for you. No one telling you to wake up because it is time for school. Once you have entered the college atmosphere, you strictly make these decisions. Often times many freshmen are not able to handle such freedom because o f not being able to make responsible decisions. College is about the survival of the fittest. "Leaving home for college is a way of describing a process that takes a long time. It is another kind of birth. Leaving home means a readiness, willingness and ability to make one's own decisions to make one's way in the world without emotional dependence on the home one has come from." (Herbert Anderson of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, IL. Entrée, Septembe!
             r 1989). Being able to make your own decisions, set your own schedules and have fun as well as keep up with your studies helps one to gain in...