Advice from an FLP Alum for Students Considering College Out-of-State

Erica Salazar is a graduate of the Brewer Foundation's Future Leaders Program (FLP) and a third-year student at Northwestern University, where she is double majoring in Political Science and Social Policy. She first joined FLP in fifth grade and is the first in her family to attend college out of state.

What challenges have you faced in going out of state for college?

I’ve faced a few challenges while attending college out of state. The biggest one was leaving my family. Being 900 miles away from home wasn’t easy, but I was fortunate to have such a supportive family system. Even from afar, I always felt their encouragement and love.

Another challenge was dealing with impostor syndrome. I’m the first in my entire family to attend an out-of-state university and a top 10 institution, so at first, I was scared I wouldn’t be able to adapt, especially to the quarter system and the rigorous coursework. Thankfully, FLP was always there to reassure me that I belonged at Northwestern and to check in on me along the way.

The last challenge was not knowing anyone when I first arrived. College is much easier when you have a strong friend group, and being in a new city made it harder to find that at the beginning. At times, I felt a bit secluded. Still, I pushed through, and over time, I built a community and overcame these challenges. Looking back, I could not be happier with my decision to attend college out of state.

What have been the biggest benefits of studying out of state?

There are so many benefits to studying out of state. One of the biggest is the exposure you gain just by living in a completely new environment. Before Northwestern, I had never really been out of state, so moving gave me the chance to explore both Chicago and Evanston, two cities that were entirely new to me. I even had the opportunity to travel a bit within Illinois and to Michigan, where I visited the University of Michigan’s Law School in Ann Arbor.

Because Illinois gets real winters, I also went snowboarding and skiing for the first time, experiences I never would have had back home. Another benefit has been meeting new people. My friend group at Northwestern is the most diverse it’s ever been, and that’s brought new perspectives, adventures, and growth into my life.

Finally, studying out of state has pushed me to become more independent. Being away from home means figuring things out on your own and learning how to manage your responsibilities, and that’s been one of the most valuable parts of this journey.

What advice would you give to a student considering leaving for college?

My biggest advice for students considering college out of state is to start the conversation with your family early. Every family is different, but the sooner you bring it up, the more time everyone has to adjust to the idea of you leaving.

Talk openly about whether it’s financially possible and think realistically about what it would mean to be away for 3–5 months at a time. Consider whether you’d be able to fly home, or if your family could visit in case of an emergency, and factor in the length and cost of flights.

I also recommend visiting the schools you’re interested in. Walk around the campus, get a feel for the area, and see if you can picture yourself living there, weather included! An important factor is the city and school demographics. It can make a huge difference to know you’ll have a community of people who share similar backgrounds or experiences. At the end of the day, trust your gut. Think about what you want your college journey to look like and choose the path that feels right for you.

How has your journey at Northwestern been so far, and do you ever regret being away from your family?

My journey at Northwestern started a little rocky. At first, I didn’t have close friends, and adjusting to the fast pace of the quarter system was difficult. But that quickly changed. Within my second and third months, I formed genuine connections, built a strong friend group, and began creating valuable memories that I’ll carry with me forever.

Over the past two years, I’ve had the chance to take incredible courses with inspiring professors, grow through my involvement in student organizations, and explore opportunities that have shaped me into a more confident and independent person. Being away from my family was definitely one of the hardest parts at the beginning. Still, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the way their support has allowed me, as my dad says, to “open my wings and fly.”

Even though I’m far from home, I know that a quick two-hour flight will bring me back to them, and that reassurance makes the distance easier. Looking back, I don’t regret leaving. I see it as one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.