Leaving my comfort zone to come to Pitt was the best decision I’ve made

I was born and raised in a small town my entire life. I was tired of the sameness of everything around me, and I really just needed change. When it was time to pick a college my main factor was to get out of state and into a city. Pittsburgh seemed to be a worthy contender. I saw college as a perfect time to break out of your comfort zone, which is why I had chosen Pitt, as it was definitely a stretch from my usual.

First semester of my freshman year I thought my choice had backfired. I felt extremely out of place and none of my “ideal” college expectations were being met. I knew it wouldn’t automatically be a perfect fit, but for so many other people it seemed like it was. Every single person around me was loving it, so why wasn’t I?

This is where some learning came into play.

Don’t compare yourself to others, no matter the situation

Do the things that interest you the most – focus on your own experience and not solely on those who are around you. Focusing on other’s experience really just takes away from your own, which in turn makes things far less enjoyable.

Join things that go around on campus/in the city

I know this is highly cliche, but it’s still solid advice. Whether or not you’re from Pittsburgh, there are always new things going on because this city and our campus are constantly growing. I’ve only done a few so far, but even the littlest things have for sure made my life at least a solid 27 percent better.

Don’t live by expectations

In the beginning, I realized I was living way too much by my expectations and not really giving this beyond wonderful city and school a chance. My prior expectations have begun to be met, once I stop living by them and started just living. I had gotten back in my original mindset of why I wanted to come here in the first place.

Opportunities are limitless, so don’t limit yourself

Hesitation is understandable when you’re outside of your comfort level, but do not let that stop you from seizing opportunities.

EXPLORE

This kind of goes along with my second point, but exploration really is key. The more and more I explored my school/city the more awesome things began to expose themselves. Pittsburgh can cater to a variety of tastes. The many neighborhoods Pittsburgh is composed of all convey different vibes. Same with the assortment of clubs and activities that make up our school. You just have to explore and find ones that interest you.

Now into my second semester of my sophomore year, looking back I am so far from that out-of-place feeling. The littlest things have made such a difference. Everyday I am getting more and more adapted to the transition, from small town to big city, and continuing to immerse myself with what this city and school have to offer.

There are still so many places to explore, things to do, and people to meet. I cannot wait to make the most out of my next two years here.