Ever since I became an "adult" I have been asked this question many times, "Where are you from?" or some variation like "where did you grow up?" It seems like a simple enough question but it has caused me to ponder the best answer. I am from California which I proudly admit but I don't consider that the place I grew up. If I was to be honest I feel like I grew up in Hawaii.
When I left home to attend BYUH, I feel like I was a shell of who I became. High school left me bruised, broken, scarred, and just all around not whole. I needed to get away from that environment and I am so glad I chose Hawaii. The moment I overcame the fear and loneliness that inevitably follows leaving home for the first time, I began to heal.
Hawaii helped me realize that I needed to figure out who I really wanted to be. For the first time in my life it became okay that I was me. I noticed I could make new friends but not only that people wanted to be friends with me. I didn't have to sacrifice or fade into the back in order to fit in. I felt free to have fun and to participate without the fear of being judged. I was able to become more than a shell and it was amazing. I finally grew in a meaningful way.
I am sure college changes people but I don't think I would have turned into the same person if I had been in another location. Hawaii was the place prepared for me to grow up. California was the place that prepared to become.
