When I first came to Athens, I was scared about what might happen. OU wasn't my first choice, and I had no idea what I was getting into. However, as my first semester continued, I came to love OU and became grateful that fate had landed me in Athens. So here's 10 reasons why I'm thankful to be a Bobcat.

1. The amazing professors

Professors at OU actually care about what they're teaching, and since you're an adult now, they see you as more of an equal so they do their best to help you learn. You may even become friends with a few of them!

2. The parties!

Athens had a water main break leading to cancelled classes and a boil alert, so the bars opened up at 10:30 a.m. and called it #nowaterfest. Whether it's Halloween, Fest season or Christmas, Athens always has a reason to party.

3. High ranked academics

OU isn't all just parties. The Scripps College of Communication is one of the top rated journalism schools. The English department is the best in the state, and we have many more top rated colleges and programs. Students at OU get a well-rounded education that prepares them for any future career they can imagine.

4. The food

The dining halls have a lot of vegetarian options, and the markets and cafes offer high quality ingredients raised by local farmers. Eating out uptown is also a fantastic idea. From Bagel Street to Casa Nueva, Athens has the best food around.

5. Everyone delivers late

Pulling an all nighter and the dining halls are closed? No worries! There's a number of places that deliver right to your door! From numerous pizza places to Insomnia Cookies, Athens has got you covered.

6. The strong sense of community

Bobcats are always ready to come together, whether it's raising money for the Ronald McDonald House during the Bobcathon, or doing a sit-in at Baker to fight for the rights of our fellow Bobcats, we always have each other's backs.

7. The friends I've made

Speaking of community, I have met my best friends at OU, and I've also met all kinds of people from every walk of life. Athens really is a magical place where you can strike up a conversation with anyone, and everyone is unique in their own way.

8. The beautiful campus

I've said it before, I'll say it again until I die. Athens, OH, is the most beautiful town in the world! Set in the Hocking, the surrounding nature and charming brick buildings are like no other.

9. The opportunities I've been given

I'm writing for the awesome publication that is Odyssey, I have an internship this summer, and I'm already getting my name out there at the age of 18, all thanks to the doors being a Bobcat has opened for me.

10. I've found my home

Ohio University is where I've found my friends, my passions, my goals, and the best coffee in the world. (Thanks, Donkey!) Even though I'll eventually graduate and leave, I will always consider Ohio University my hOUme.