As Spring Break began last week, I returned home to my family, my dog, and my friends—many of them still seniors in high school. During several of our "catch up" dinners, I listened as they discussed the beginning of their college journeys and raised questions such as "Where should I go? What should I major in?" and "What about scholarships?" Although these questions are of great importance, they're not the end all be all for choosing a university; I tried to remind them that the little things matter a lot more than we often give them credit for. I couldn't help but start thinking about what made me choose Wake Forest, so here are just a few reasons why Wake is so much more than just my university:

1. The beauty of the Reynolda campus

As Spring approaches, the Magnolia trees start blooming and Mother So Dear once again shows her students just how beautiful she truly is.

2. The atmosphere

I bet if you ask any Wake student to describe the atmosphere on campus, their answer would include at least one of the following adjectives: uplifting, comforting, or inspiring. And if not--they're wrong.

3. The Pit

Okay so the food may not be the best in the world, but The Pit has character. And believe it or not, you start to miss it after a while.

4. Love Feast

It’s Christmas time, Winter break is in sight, and spirits are high. Love Feast serves as a wonderful time to step away from finals prep, spend a couple hours with your Wake family, and celebrate the highly anticipated holiday season.

5. Wake N' Shake

In spirit of the upcoming Wake N' Shake Event on March 19, I figured I would throw in the most exciting event of the Spring Semester! A twelve-hour continuous dance marathon to raise money for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund? Yes, please.

6. Greek Life

Greek life at Wake is undoubtably a huge part of the social scene. And whether or not you choose to be a part of the Greek community is completely up to you; however, I can say that joining a sorority was one of the best decisions that I have made while at college. The love and support I have received from my sorority sisters has been unreal and I cannot thank them enough.

7. I'm not just another face in the crowd

Personally, I love the small size of Wake. It makes me feel safe, at home, and like I really matter to my professors and my peers.

8. The city of Winston-Salem

As a native North Carolinian, I always new Winston was a beautiful and vibrant city; however, once I got to Wake, Winston really became my home. Whether it’s a Friday night downtown, last minute runs to Chipotle, or Saturday hiking trips to Pilot Mountain, Winston-Salem really does offer it all.

9. Ample serve opportunities

No matter what clubs, organizations, or groups you are already a member of, there are always more opportunities to get involved our surrounding community. Rush APO, join the Volunteer Service Corps, get involved with Best Buddies, or try any other combination of service activities that will get you outside of the Wake bubble.

10. Camaraderie

No matter your age, your ethnicity, your hometown, or your major, every body at Wake is in together. College is not a destination, it’s a journey meant to be traveled by you and 4,500 of your closest friends.

11. Not only do you choose Wake, but Wake chooses you

If you’re a prior, current, or an accepted student, you know exactly what I mean by this—so no matter where you go or what you’re doing, Wake will always be more than just your college, it’s your home.