Growing up

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.