It’s that time of the year.  Application upon application sent out, floods of college mail coming in.  For me, it was an exhilarating time, really.  Acceptance letters coming from schools such as NYU, Gonzaga, and Loyola Marymount and Chicago (just to name a few).  Oh yes, I’ve been in your position, and boy was I scared.  But then, my letter from the University of San Diego.  The “white fortress on the hill”, as my fellow Missourians often referred to it.  I would like to think that it was an easy decision, to pick up my things and move 1,500 miles away from my family, friends, and everything I have ever made for myself here in Kansas City.  I was torn between two schools, but I knew that this is where I was supposed to be…my dream to move back to California was going to be a reality.

Here I am, one year later.  The question now isn’t “Where are you going to college?”, it’s “Are you going to stay there?”  And, as you decide which university you would like to attend, I’m going to share with you why I am choosing to stick with my decision and continue my schooling at the University of San Diego.

1.     I have made a second home here.  The first few weeks were difficult.  I left my family, friends, a steady couple of jobs, and an internship behind.  I cried a couple of times, but I realized I would have done that anywhere.  I knew I needed to start completely fresh in an unfamiliar place, so I could have a better sense of myself in a wide range of environments.  My roomies and I bonded instantly, and I put up pictures to remind me of home.  I jumped right into my schooling, and, most importantly, I began to take part in school activities.

2.     I have made wonderful friends that will last a lifetime.  Cheesy, huh?  But, as soon as I joined some clubs and talked to a few classmates, I started to build some really unique relationships.  Even the RAs in my building are some of my best friends at school!  I cannot stress enough how important it is to dive in head-first and just talk to everyone!  Smile, wave, look people in the eye…so many people are new, so everyone is in the same position trying to make friends!

3.     The University of San Diego has taken all of my dual credit transfer credits from high school!  For those of you who don’t know, dual credit hours consist of college classes taken during high school that count towards both college and high school graduation.  So, even though I am registered as a freshman, I am almost at junior status!  USD also takes most ACCP credits!  It is so exciting because many people didn’t accept them!  Of course, this is not solely why I chose to come here, but it’s a nice perk!

4.     Location, location, location!  I love where my second home is!  Not only because the school is on a cliff overlooking the ocean, or because it is sunny nearly all the time, but also because of the opportunities surrounding me!  I am so close to a Disney hub, to Los Angeles, to record labels and production companies!  I have a wide variety of careers that I can look into and consider!  There are also a million things to do in San Diego and on campus!  I have been to concerts both on and off campus, as well as tried many new things and celebrated in many fun areas!  Exploring the small areas around school and the different beaches, as well as Balboa Park and the city are just so much fun!

5.     I’m having fun.  I love life.  I thank God every day for who I have become and the opportunities I have been presented with!

So, if you haven’t decided yet, maybe you are going through a tough time with everything, just consider what I am saying, a year replaced from where you are at now.  If you need any other help, feel free to email me!

MmBop!

Erin