Senior year of high school, there seemed to be only three possible topics of conversation. First, the question about where I’m going to college, followed immediately by a nod of recognition or a polite hum of confusion. Second, the question of what I want to study and what I want to do with my life. Fortunately for me, I had a plan in the works and could actually answer that query. And third, the extolling of the college years.

My situation going into college was a bit strange. I found out I was moving halfway through my college searches, and moved one week before move-in day. One week. More specifically, six days. It was quite a way to start. By necessity, Hillsdale College became my home because I no longer had my childhood friends to rely on for support and acceptance. But there is no better place to come home to. Here are the top three reasons why college may just be the best thing to ever happen to me.

1. I met some of the greatest people I’ve ever known.

At first, I congratulated myself on having found the sweetest, sincerest, smartest girls at Hillsdale. But then I met more people who were just as sassy and spectacular. And more. And more. It’s gotten to the point that I want to be best friends with half of campus because of how amazing they are. If anything, I have to limit who I get to know so that I can develop deep friendships with at least some of them.

2. I learned what I’m truly passionate about.

After taking a year off of dance and thinking that I would only take a few classes here and there in college, I quickly found myself signing up for ballet classes and modern classes and the student dance company and the dance minor and helping to start an honorary. I guess you could say I love dance.

In conversations also, I find myself returning time and again to the topics of young adult literature and art and what it means to produce good literature and to train the affections towards higher things. Each time, my eyes expand as I dream about editing fiction and pursuing dance. Having to choose my own schedule in college allows me to figure out what inspires me.

3. I joined a sorority.

Many of my friends from back home were shocked to hear that I, of all people, joined a sorority. But coming to Pi Phi felt like a homecoming. Seventy girls, many of whom I had never met, soon became my closest friends. I see girls go to each other’s performances and sports meets, prank each other in the house, catch up on daily life over lunch and drop everything to come running for a sister in pain or in need.

I have never felt so encouraged and so rewarded. But the best part is these friendships and these passions will continue to grow for the rest of my life, so it’s only the start. As the town motto says, it’s the people.