Sarah M. – Going To Bradley From Out Of State

03/09/2020 1:01 AM

When choosing a college, most of my options were thousands of miles away from home. I was looking for a direct admit nursing program and most of the options in California weren’t exactly what I was looking for. I had never heard of Bradley University before I had applied, I had a college counselor at my high school recommend it based on what I was looking for in a college. Bradley wasn’t really on my radar but I thought I might as well send in an application. Additionally, a lot of my friends were opting to go out of state for college, I was also really wanting to go somewhere far away to get a different perspective and to experience a new place for four years. When I finally decided on Bradley I was so excited but also nervous about all of the changes the next few months would bring.

In my experience, the biggest adjustment I needed to make was to the weather. Before coming to Peoria, I had never even seen snowfall! The first winter was a huge shock for me but I was also really excited to see now for the first time. Winters are still an adjustment that I need to make every year, I definitely wasn’t made for harsh winters, but I am trying my best! Another adjustment was having to see my family and close friends a lot less often. I only get to go home a few times a year, my freshman year I only went home for winter break and summer. Even though I don’t see my family very often I still keep up with everyone constantly, I call my mom multiple times a week and facetime my friends all the time. I love having a strong support system back at home who is always only a phone call away.

The weather and being home, less are two of the tougher adjustments I have had to make, but going to school far away has brought so many really positive things into my life. I have loved getting to live in a city/state that I would probably have never lived in otherwise and had the opportunity to grow a completely new support system out here. I have loved the independence and the ability to grow into myself, on my own! I came for the nursing program (which has been awesome and totally worth the big move), but I have stayed because of all of the great experiences and relationships I have made at Bradley.

Going somewhere so far away and so different from what I am used to has been my greatest adventure and I couldn’t be happier that I decided to do it. Bradley has been my home away from home for the past 3 ½ years and I have enjoyed every second of it… well, plus or minus a few snow days.