Why I left Cali to come to Purdue

People always ask me why I’m here

When applying for colleges during my senior year of high school, I just sort of figured, hey, why not try some out-of-state schools? I have the opportunity to, so lets just see where it goes. I ended up receiving acceptances from 11 out of the 13 schools that I applied to- of course being rejected by the one long-shot California school, go figure, and it suddenly dawned on me that I was going to be spending the next four years somewhere across the country, thousands of miles from my beautiful home. It really could have been anywhere honestly, Oregon, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Massachusetts- and I ended up in the good old Midwestern state of  Indiana.

Before I even got to Indiana, I received the inevitable question from everyone: “Why the hell are you leaving?!” I know, I know. Beautiful, gorgeous, perfect California where the sun shines year-round, the air is dry, celebrities are plentiful, and the people are flawless. Like why would I ever give up 4 years of precious life of this:
Pretty freaking nice- I know, I know.

But the thing is, and don’t take it the wrong way now, it gets old. You take life for granted when you grow up with nothing ever really going wrong. I live a great life in California- I love my friends, family, hometown, beaches and city, and it’s awesome never having to check the weather before you leave the house in the morning. But I got tired of the same thing every day- the same type of people, the same chill lifestyle we all live in. I wanted to experience life in ways that were different than what I was so accustomed to. I just wanted something new- I wanted an alternate outlook on life that wasn’t the laid back Californian perspective that I grew up with.

So I took the risk and decided to leave California for the Midwest, completely unaware of what to expect. And surprise surprise, I am having the absolute time of my life, and I would not change my college experience for anything in the world. But do not get me wrong, leaving California was hard as hell. You do not know true homesickness until you’re walking to class at 8 am in ten degree weather, not aware of the concept of layering and the fact that Uggs won’t quite cut it in five inches of snow. In my first year of living in the Midwest, I got pneumonia and tonsillitis, all in the same 4 month period, and it was fantastic.

I had no idea what this concept of season change was until living in the Midwest. I did not realize it could be sunny and clear one day, and the next morning the ground could be covered by a thick powdery blanket of snow- so beautiful, but like how does that even happen? I had to use an umbrella, rain-boots (s/o Hunter) and a rain jacket for the first time, and I soon realized that gloves, a scarf, and a hat are just the everyday accessories (yes, I realize how annoying I sound). Fortunately, I love shopping for new clothes, so I didn’t mind this aspect at all.

 

Yet weather wasn’t my biggest culture shock- it was the people really. The Midwest has some of the NICEST people you will ever meet. Complete strangers say hello to you and treat you with real, genuine respect, something I was so not used to. The Midwest defines the word ‘friendly’, and I caught on to the vibe of things quick. Being around incredibly nice people only makes you strive to be just as nice, which is so awesome and I recommend this way of living to every Californian.

What’s funny is that I am so protective of the Midwest now, especially my beloved Indiana. Whenever a Californian gives me shit for leaving, I am just like hey – the Midwest rules dude. The Midwest has made me such a nicer, kinder, more genuine person, and has really made me appreciate the little things in life, such as electric blankets and hand-warmers. I was in desperate need of a wake up call that life isn’t just sunshine, beaches, and humidity-free air, and that I was living in my own little perfect bubble where I was completely aware of the world around me. The Midwest has introduced me to people of all backgrounds, and made me realize how close-minded I used to be.

Leaving California for college was one the best decisions I ever could have made, and I recommend that decision to experience life elsewhere to any Californian. I am not saying it should be a permanent decision, but rather a chance to experience life from a new outlook. You will benefit in an infinite number of ways, and it will change your entire outlook on life. Chances are I will be returning to California after living in the Midwest for college, but I will always and forever be grateful for my experiences here.

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