Considering I’ve only been on this planet for 18 years, I haven’t made that many life-changing decisions yet. I would assume this is true of most 18-year-olds, but the biggest decision I had to make thus far was: Where am I going to go to college? Sure, my major was hard to pick, too, but that could be changed with more ease than changing universities. Luckily, I chose UGA, and thank my lucky stars I did. So, although I am not necessarily experienced in making big decisions, I promise that UGA is the best I’ve ever made.
1. Saturdays in Athens.
I knew I always wanted to go to an SEC school and be a part of the college-football world. Some may argue that all SEC schools are the same, but I swear we’ve got something special here. There’s nothing quite like calling the dawgs with thousands of other students, alumni, and parents in Sanford Stadium. There’s nothing quite like seeing the sea of red and black around you, and knowing that the people around you are on your same team. Fans come far and wide for UGA games (hence the street parking wil be disastrous), but can you blame them? Saturdays may just seem like game days, but they’re really so much more.
2. The city of Athens in general.
I’ve toured other schools; I’ve seen other college towns. Nothing is quite like Athens. Absolutely every type of food, bar, or store you could think of exists within a few miles. Whether you’re spending the day shopping with your mom, or out with your friends at night, Athens has anything you could need. While, yes, it’s sometimes annoying when the acquaintance you spoke to a few times in high school wants to come up and stay with you to experience Athens, take it as a compliment. Athens is great, and even non-UGA students know this to be true too.
3. I've gained a new culture.
Being a UGA student, you take on a new lifestyle. Your phone probably autocorrects to DT sometimes. You may prefer Jittery Joe’s over other coffee shops. You have nicknames for places you commonly go, and know exactly how to respond to “Who’s that coming down the track?!” Going to UGA is like entering a separate, beautiful, and distinct world. You proudly sport your UGA Spirit Wear, and fraternity and sorority T-shirts, and are ultimately linked to every student and alum who also are part of your little world. I didn’t just come to college, I joined a community.
4. Opportunities
Everything you could possibly think of is at this school. Any club, organization, philanthropy, or activity exists here. There’s something for absolutely everyone. Whether it be a sorority or fraternity, a philanthropic association, or a cheese-eating club you join (or all three) there is a place for everyone to find their niche and no two people have to have the same preference. This school celebrates diversity, and I have been able to pursue the person I want to be, unapologetically.
5. Irreplaceable bonds and friendships.
While my other reasons were much less personal, this reason is the one that has probably shaped my college experience more than anything. I’ve met people from all over the country who, too, made the best decision by coming to UGA. Although I met them only a few months ago, funnily enough, I can’t imagine my life without them now. I’ve met people to laugh with, people to cry with, and people for just about everything in between. It blows my mind how I so many people similar to myself exist and by what circumstances I got so lucky, but I don’t question it and I thank UGA for it all.
While, yes, I've regretted some past decisions, my choice to come to UGA will never be one of them. This truly is a place that “gets in your blood and stays forever,” and I can’t wait for my years to come. While I'm a college student and have no idea where I'll be in five years, I know I’ll cherish this university for the rest of my life. Go Dawgs, y’all.
