Appalachian State University isn't like the other colleges on the East Coast. It's situated in a small mountain-community whose namesake is Daniel Boone—a figure most everyone has heard of. However, regardless of it's minute size, the town of Boone is renowned throughout the coast for various reasons, and the college campus situated in the middle of it is even more well known. And we have to ask the question—why? Why is ASU so known throughout the nation? Here are five things that I love about my college campus:
1. Let's talk about that beautiful environment on campus.
Whether it's sitting on Sanford Mall or hanging out in the Solarium in the Plemmons Student Union, ASU has one of the most beautiful aesthetics I've ever been around on a college campus. I transferred from College of Charleston after my freshman year, and even though that historical city is a beauty, it has nothing on the green grass, gentle (or overpowering) breezes, and climb-worthy trees.
2. The teachers are more than just teachers--they're friends.
In all of my academic years, I've never come across teachers who are as helpful, understanding, and just all around great people, as I have here. Coming to ASU, I was intimidated by the idea of having to meet all new professors and establish a name for myself among them. However, it's been more than easy to develop relationships with the professors I come into contact with. Surprisingly enough, a professor I had the first semester of 2014 still keeps in contact with me, even though I haven't had a class with her since. I never expected teachers here to be as willing to work with me, and as willing to understand when I just can't make it to class, as the teachers here have.
3. COFFEE.
Listen, a lot of students on ASU's campus will claim that they hate the coffee from the coffee shops on campus. My own roommate, and best friend from high school, claimed that she refused to go into the coffee shops on campus because she just didn't like the way it tasted. For me, however, it's liquid gold. I can't attend my various classes if I don't have my coffee from the Wired Scholar or Crossroads. Even when I drink coffee off of campus, I compare it, and regardless of my unpopular opinion, I prefer ASU coffee.
4. The festivities that take place on Sanford.
It seems to me like something happens on Sanford at least once, if not twice, a week. Whether it's a frat rally or a festival for Mental Health Awareness Week, there is always something to look forward to and participate in on that beautiful open valley of Sanford Mall. They're also always incredibly informative about social matters and things to help everyone become more aware of their fellow human beings and what's going on in our society. Do I even have to mention all the free stuff they give out at those things? I have an abundance of pens that I have collected from all the stands and kiosks that have been set up on that green, green grass.
5. I love me some burritos.
While it's a common consensus that the food on ASU campus is overpriced, I sometimes have to break my budget for the overstuffed, bean-loaded, guacamole-leaking burritos that are made fresh at Cascades in the Student Union. I worked for Cascades for about a year before I even tried their burritos, and once I did, I was finally a complete human being. My life was changed forever, and changed for the better, once that sun-dried tomato tortilla hit my taste buds. No matter where I go, there will never be a burrito like the ones right here on the campus in the High Country.
These five things may seem trivial and unimportant to the common college-goer, but to me they make everything better about going to the most beautiful campus in the mountains in this wonderful state of North Carolina.
