Leaving your comfort zone or “normal” for higher education is relatively unsettling for everyone, especially if you leave the state. Not knowing anyone or traveling far from loved ones can seem negative, but it also has many benefits lying under the surface.
The excitement of relocating and opening more doors in different parts of the country drives many students out of the state, like South Alumn Lainey Wilson ’24, who attends the University of Miami. Multiple positive benefits influenced her decision, such as the appeal of southern living and being close to her sister, who also attends the university.
“I love living in Florida because of the weather,” Wilson said. “It’s really nice year-round. I used to not do so well during the school year, and I thought that was a ‘me thing’ until I moved down south (to Miami) and noticed how much happier I was. I love being so close to the beaches and getting to go in the ocean often.”
Access to more opportunities, especially those specific to your major, is another attractive factor for graduates. Working towards a degree in either sports broadcasting or recruitment and statistics, South alum Addie Waller ’24 currently attends the University of Missouri, serving as a student manager for the softball team. Moving down to Missouri has opened substantial doors for her future career, including connections with the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs.
“Logistically, for my career, leaving (Michigan) made more sense,” Waller said. “It opens opportunities for me that I would never have in Michigan. My family also moved with me, and I have cousins in my grade as well, so it’s nice to be close to them. Some Sundays when there is a basketball game, I’ll go over to their house and we get to watch it together.”
Other factors, like religious affinity, can also affect a student’s travel. Aside from places like Hope or Calvin College, Michigan doesn’t have many religiously rich institutions. Drawn to Notre Dame’s numerous catholic programs, South Alumn Paul Kaminski ’24 decided to continue his studies there.
“Notre Dame is one of the largest Catholic universities in the country. This really solidified my decision to attend,” Kaminski said. “I love that they offer over 100 masses a week, which really helps balance my faith with attending my classes. I also appreciate how it’s not forced on you for non-Catholic students, so it’s a healthy relationship for all students.”
Adjusting to a new setting, away from your norm, can have a major impact on your life and academic performance. Establishing a strong connection with people around you and familiarizing yourself with a community can help combat homesickness. Sticking to your typical routine and prioritizing relationships helps soften the weight of a big move for Wilson.
“Staying in contact with as many people as possible from home (Michigan) really helps you feel closer to them despite the distance. It can get pretty lonely if you isolate yourself,” Wilson said. “I think another thing that really helped is Southern hospitality and everyone being eager to make friends and build relationships with you.”
