Growing up in Radford, I've always been quite familiar with Radford University. However, life in Radford is much different as a college student than as a high school student. I never thought I'd end up attending college five minutes from my house, but here I am, and it was the best decision I've ever made. I'm not the only person from my high school or surrounding high schools, who feels that way. Although it's not technically a town, here are 23 signs you might be a Radford University townie:

1. You can't believe your peers actually refer to your hometown as "Raddy" or "Rad-Town."

2. When people at school ask you where you're from, your reply surprises them.

3. Your first time attending the Highlander Festival wasn't during your freshman year of college.

4. Before starting classes at RU, you thought you knew how to navigate the campus.

5. You probably walked down the steps of McConnell Library at your Senior Prom.

6. You attended at least one Prom held in the bottom of Muse Hall.

7. You've taken prom pictures in front of the fountain.

8. At some point in your life, you swore up and down you wouldn't end up at RU.

9. You hung out in The Bonnie before you were a Highlander.

10. You had plenty of Highlander t-shirts before freshman year.

11. You've been to a basketball game at RU.

12. You attended a concert, like Mac Miller or A$AP Rocky, in the Dedmon Center before you were a student at RU.

13. You participated in an athletic championship game at Cupp Stadium during high school.

14. You probably went to a college party during high school.

15. And you probably lied about being in high school.

16. Before you were a college student, driving through campus and having to stop at every single crosswalk was so annoying. But now you kind of understand.

17. You remember the days when Quad-Fest was still alive and well.

18. Someone in your family has been employed by RU at some point.

19. You know that Radford isn't divided into just "Light Side" and "Dark Side." There's also Radford Village, College Park, West End, East End, etc.

20. You know how absolutely boring it is in Radford when school isn't in session.

21. You took field trips to the RU planetarium in elementary school.

22. Your parents were thrilled when you chose RU.

23. You were afraid you'd regret choosing RU, but you ended up loving it more than you could've imagined.

Working and living in Radford is a pleasure. Thankfully, I've been able to experience its' charm for a lot longer than four years. Whether it's kayaking down the New River or grabbing a cup of joe at the Radford Coffee Co., Radford has something to offer everyone. I couldn't be more thankful to have grown up in this city. Here's to many more years in the Heart of the New River Valley!