Whether it be for competition or just for show, marching band is something that every hardcore band kid has come to love.

No matter how much we whine, cry, and complain, we all know that we couldn't live without it. But after you graduate high school what is there to do? Do you continue on your marching career or do you just quit cold turkey?

As a college marcher myself, I'm here to give you 5 reasons why marching in college was one of the best decisions I ever made in my young adult life so far:

1. The People

It doesn't matter if you're an in-state or out-of-state student, making new friends is always hard. So meeting 200-300 new people before the beginning of the school year during band camp is always helpful with the transition. These people end up becoming your close friends and family and will stick by your side in and out of the marching season. No matter how eccentric or introverted you are, they will accept you and all of your quirks and flaws.

2. The Music

In high school, things may have been specially arranged for you, but in college everything is basically pep band songs and things you constantly listen to on the radio. Just this year the band I marched for played music from the 60s all the way into the 2000s. There was always something for everyone to enjoy and you weren't stuck with the same show for the entire season. Followed by the occasional dance break in every show that made you feel like you could really "bust a move".

3. The Hype

The Rehearsal. The Pre-game. The Tailgate. Performing at Half-Time. What's there not to love? Not only do you get to hype up the football team and the student section, but they return the favor by hyping you up and cheering you on as you perform on the field and in the stands. I have never met a more accepting atmosphere for band kids than in a college football stadium. Everybody seems to love you, even the rivalry teams and bands. It is one of the best experiences I've ever had as a performer. Oh, and I can't forget about the run on, that's pretty cool too.

4. The Bowl Games

If your team plays well enough in their season, odds are you'll be heading off to a bowl game out of the state. A possible 3-4 day trip with some of your best friends all the while getting to represent your school, do some tourist-y things, and be seen on national sports television like ESPN. If you thought your college football stadium crowd was big, just wait until you get to the bowl. It is something you will truly never forget.

5. The Memories

Throughout your 3-4 month marching season you will make a plethora of memories with the people who you have come to call your second family. Whether they be inside jokes, funny pictures, or memes you made of your section, they will all be things that you will never forget. And as soon as the season is over, you'll be missing it so bad that you may even say you are going through withdrawals and don't know what to do with yourself during that 2 hour block when you used to have rehearsal.

So, if you're thinking about quitting or continuing your marching band career, take these thoughts into consideration before making your big decision. Because you never know, college marching band might just be the one thing you need to get yourself out there in your new school and start your next great step in education at an 8 to 5.