Every time I tell someone I go to Knox College, they respond with the same questions and reactions almost every time. How do I explain my school to people who don’t know?

1. Where is Knox? Is that in Knoxville?

When someone asks where Knox is, I say, "It's in Galesburg, IL, about 3 hours away from where I live." And then when there's still a puzzled look on their face, I say “Okay...It’s close to Peoria.” Then they say "OH!" Like they actually know where that is. So no…it’s not Knoxville, just Knox.

Galesburg is so small and there isn’t much to do in the town. There are a couple of restaurants and coffee places near campus, but it is nothing close to a Chicago feel unfortunately. When I go back to Galesburg, I get sad because I am leaving all of the yummy vegan restaurants and seriously minimizing my shopping options! But in all it is totally worth it for such an amazing school.

2. Wait….how old are you?

One thing I hate most is when people tell me I don’t look my age. I think I am highly aware of that since you know, I am me. When I tell people I'm a junior in college they respond with their eyeballs popping out of their sockets and an open mouth saying I look like I’m a freshman in high school.

One day I went to a gym close to my home to sign up for a gym membership. I walked up to the front desk and I asked, “I would like to sign up for a gym membership.” The person at the front desk then says, “Um…how old are you?” Like EXCUSE ME!?!? You did NOT have to ask me that first. My mom later asked what the age limit was to sign up for a membership and he said 13! So I guess I looked like a five year old with a nose piercing that day.

P.S. I don’t take it as a compliment because I am well aware of how short and young I look. SO STOP!

3. Do you get good financial aid?

Let’s just say even if you did get good financial aid, it’s still expensive as heck!

My first friend at Knox was someone who I strive to be one day! Sofia, you literally do everything with such peace and grace and you make it look so easy. You are way beyond your years and a brilliantly humble human being! Thank you for not judging me when I only showed up to Play Fair the first day of orientation week. For teaching me the importance of sustainability and happiness. And for quickly inviting my socially awkward self into this incredible friendship. Happy 20th birthday, Sofia!!