If I stay in my hometown after highschool, would I not mature as much?

Question

I live in Oregon and I've been planning for 6 years that once I graduate high school I would go to college at the Art Institute of Orange County and get my degree in Graphic Design.

But lately, I've kinda been having second thoughts. I'm thinking that maybe after I graduate high school, I should just stay here in my medium sized town in Oregon. I absolutely love my church Applegate and can't see myself ever pulling away from it. I want to get involved in the ministry and help counsel church camps and lead worship and all. And also, I would go to Cosmotology school if I stayed here. There is this great hair school called OIC (Oregon Institute of Cosmotology) and I've always wanted to be a hair stylist. And it only takes a year to obtain, and its around $13,000. If I went to the Art Institute to get my Graphic Design degree it would be $89,000. Big difference. I really just don't want to graduate from college and be in a huge buttload of debt. But if I got my cosmotology degree, it would only be $13,000 and I'm sure I could pay that off and not have a huge college loan that I'd have to be paying till I die. Also, if I stayed here in my hometown in Oregon, I would take a few art classes at my local university or community college. And I would probably work at a coffee stand like Starbucks, Human Bean, or Dutch Bros. And I would save SOOO much money living either with my mom (free) or renting an apartment...which would be like $800 a month, rather than paying $2,000 for an apartment down in Orange County where the Art Institute is located. It all seems so good, cheap, and safe to stay here in my hometown.

But my older brothers don't want me to do that.

They think that it's good to BRANCH OUT after high school, and they think it's good to have the experience of moving somewhere new and unfamiliar and they think that you grow up alot more and mature faster if you do that. They think I wouldn't grow as much if I just stayed in my safe little hometown.

And they are right...I guess I do like the idea of staying here because it's safe and familar to me. But there are SOO many benefits of staying here. I'd save SO much money. I'd get my hair degree in a year. It's only $13,000 so I'd be able to pay it off. I would be EXTREMELY involved in my beloved church that is amazing. I'd take a few art classes at the local colleges. I'd work at a coffee stand. I'd know all the people around me....it just all seems so good!

But would I really not grow, and mature as much as an individual if I played it safe and stayed here? What do you think?

Thanks for reading this lonng, detailed question. I appreciate it =D

Answer 1

Becca, what a well thought out question you have.  Literate, articulate, and full sentence structure... Are you sure you don't want to study to be a teacher?  When everything is said and done...you laid out your question in such a manner as if you answered it yourself.  The way I look at it... is that for some people, getting out of Dodge is a good thing.  It gives them a chance to experience life on a different level, but for others, the sanctity of a safe familiar environment is equally as beneficial for growth.  Either way...when your 30, you'll still be 30.  It doesn't matter what state your in.  I personally like the idea of hangin' in close to home...even though I didn't.  But I didn't make ties that I wanted to hang with.  Your church family seems really important to you, and you know everybody around ya.  I feel that if you went out and borrowed all the big money...that you would eventually end up back in your hometown.  I think I would do the hair thing...and take the classes when you can.  Once you can cut hair in your sleep...(and I think you will be an excellent stylist)... You can use this knowledge to help you in your pursuance of Graphic Design.  In the long run...which will make you more money?....I dunno...In the long run...which make make your life happier?...giggle..you've figured that one out already.  Good luck to you dear, whichever career path you decide to follow.  My recommendation!... Just pick one, and enjoy your life.

Answer 2

That is the most absurd thing I have every heard.  You can do or be whatever you want you to be. You can still branch out if you are in your hometown. You just have to be responsible for yourself. You can still be reliant on your parents and be thousands of miles away. It is all in how you take care of things in your life. Don't let others control your life, including your brothers and you will be fine. It sounds like you have thought things through so you will do fine. There is no reason to move away from your parents out of fear of "what if"!   Best of luck.

Answer 3

It's your life, it's your decision. You will mature as much as you allow yourself to mature.

It is good to branch out, but only when you're ready to do it. You might be the type of person who branches out by going on a trip once in a while, taking classes, meeting other people or helping those in need. Anything you do will help you to grow (mature). Who says you have to move somewhere else to become a mature adult?  That's not giving you much credit.

Tell your brothers that you do respect their opinion, but you want to see if you can make the best of your life on your own terms.  

Answer 4

The choice is yours and don't let anyone sway the decision you make.  I don't think that you won't mature any less if you stayed where you are.  You love your town, your church, your people and I think you are right in the amount of money that you would save.  There is nothing wrong with going to OIC.  If you do tire of it you are young and you could still continue your education later after you work a while.  Who knows maybe you will like it so much you will decide to stay.  Whatever you do, do what you want.  It is your life and your future.

Answer 5

I am facing the same problem.  I live in Grants Pass, OR and I love it here.  Perfect weather, there's people, but not lots.  However, I've been wanting to leave the state or at least go to Portland.  The money thing is big, though.  I could go to Southern Oregon University for 10,000/year or go to U of O for 20,000 (and more for cost of living).  That's why I think I might have to go into the military.  Tough decision, I know what you're going through.