Like most kindergarteners, Julia Wilson wanted the world. When asked what she would  be when she grew up, her answer was “everything”. By the age of eighteen, this ‘everything’ was found about 1,030 miles away in Orange, California. Finally being an Eaglecrest graduate in 2016, Wilson was a stranger to the college world. Although, no doubt blocked her path. Every friend knew her as bold, so the move from Colorado to California was expected since freshman year. Most promised that she was bound to take this jump, but just like her, they weren’t sure how.

The transition between two places began by applying to six colleges. Among those were Pepperdine University, Cornell College, and University of Richmond.

After a million or so considerations, Wilson’s most independent change was made before; this being during her freshman year of highschool. Without realizing, visiting Los Angeles for about a week ( just years before) set her path. Straight A’s and the shifts between wanting to be a teacher, actress, or a fashion buyer all lead her straight to Chapman University’s career development center in March  2016. After wanting the world, this finally rounded up to a business major. The move began before she knew it and in the most surreal way.

“The entire experience doesn’t feel real.” Said Wilson.

Laguna beach was a nightly stop, and a three person dorm room replaced her single bed back home. The environment was so different, but so innovating. Wilson recalls being terrified of not having her ‘Colorado safety net’. Not being able to escape college life left her feeling lost at first, but a few months later, set her up with an amazing mindset.

“I would beg myself to not be as worried. Once you get over that obstacle, The things you experience by being completely on your own, in a totally new environment, will be completely worth it in the end.” Said Wilson.

Now a Sophomore in college, Wilson’s homesickness is more beneficial. It shows her the contrast between who she was, and who she still is.