When I think back to the years before I moved to Nashville, it’s hard to believe how different my life might have been if I’d chosen another path. I almost went to community college, staying in my hometown of Joliet, Illinois, a south-side suburb of Chicago, where I was surrounded by familiarity and comfort. But something inside me knew that if I stayed, I’d be holding myself back from the growth I desperately needed. Moving to Nashville felt like a leap of faith, and while it wasn’t an easy journey, it was one that changed me in ways I could never have imagined.
A Rough Start
My first semester in Nashville was, in a word, rough. I felt completely lost—not just geographically, but emotionally. Starting over in a new city meant leaving behind everything I knew, and for the first time, I felt the weight of that decision. Being in a new place was isolating, and I questioned if I’d made the right choice. At times, I wished I had stayed in Joliet where life felt simpler.
But it wasn’t just homesickness that made things hard. I was struggling to find my place in a city that felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. I didn’t know who I was outside of the environment I’d grown up in, and the pressure to figure that out while balancing college life was exhausting. It was one of the hardest periods of my life, and there were days when I doubted if I could make it through.
Finding My People
What got me through that tough time, without a doubt, was the people I met. My friends became my lifeline, pulling me out of the fog of self-doubt and reminding me that I didn’t have to navigate this new chapter alone. For the first time, I was surrounded by people who shared my values and embraced individuality in ways I hadn’t experienced before.
Being in college introduced me to a community that felt inclusive and welcoming, a stark contrast to the rigid expectations I often felt back home. My friends encouraged me to be myself unapologetically and showed me that there was nothing wrong with standing out. They reminded me that it was okay to feel lost as long as I kept moving forward.
Home, but Not Home
Going back to Joliet during school breaks was always a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, I felt an immense pride for my hometown. Joliet shaped me in ways that I’ll always carry with me, and I’m grateful for the values and resilience it instilled in me. But on the other hand, being back often reminded me of why I left.
The familiarity that once brought me comfort now felt limiting. I realized that Joliet would always be home in a sentimental sense, but it wasn’t a place where I could see my future. The opportunities I wanted, especially in the entertainment industry, simply weren’t there. Every time I returned to Nashville, I felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that this was where I needed to be to chase my dreams.
The Importance of College
For me, college wasn’t just about academics—it was about self-discovery. The experiences I had outside the classroom were just as transformative as anything I learned inside it. Nashville gave me the space to grow socially in ways I didn’t anticipate.
I learned to step outside of my comfort zone, to embrace change, and to connect with people from all walks of life. The social growth I experienced was invaluable—it taught me the importance of building relationships and finding communities that align with your values. Being in college forced me to face challenges head-on, and through those challenges, I found my strength and my voice.
Looking Ahead
Now that graduation is on the horizon, I find myself wondering what’s next. Do I stay in Nashville, the city that helped me find myself, or do I move on to somewhere new? Chicago, New York City, and other cities beckon with their own promises of opportunity and adventure.
While I’m unsure of where I’ll go, one thing I know for certain is that leaving Joliet was the right choice. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Moving away gave me the chance to become the person I always wanted to be—someone who isn’t afraid to take risks, embrace change, and chase after their dreams.
Looking back on my journey, I can see how every step, even the hard ones, led me to where I am today. I’m grateful for Joliet, for Nashville, and for the growth that came from stepping into the unknown. Wherever I go next, I know I’ll carry those lessons with me, shaping the path ahead.
