The University of Central Missouri was the only college I toured. Some would say that this was foolish, but I say it was far from that. The reason why I didn’t tour any other school was because I didn’t need to; as soon as I set foot on UCM’s campus, I fell in love. As I walked onto its paved sidewalks for the very first time, I thought to myself, “This feels like home.” And it has become just that. After finishing my first semester of college, my opinions have not altered. My love for UCM has grown quite immensely and here are the reasons why.

1. The Faculty

One of my biggest fears about entering college was that I would become just another number or that I would get lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces. However, quite the opposite has occurred. I cannot express how surprised I was to find how out helpful and genuinely friendly everyone was. It didn’t feel fake; it didn’t feel rehearsed. A few staff members that I had talked to once would pass me a couple weeks later and call me by name. I go to the dining hall every day (okay, maybe four times a day) and I am greeted by the sweetest, most kind-hearted woman I have possibly ever met. These people, who dedicate their time and effort to make me feel at home, deserve far more praise than I can give them.

2. The Campus

Our campus is breathtakingly gorgeous. No, I am not exaggerating. I wake up every morning and look out my dorm window and see trees full of leaves and lively little critters. And when it’s nice outside, I can take a blanket and a book outside and study against a tree, while breathing in the fresh air. Walking to classes isn’t boring because there is so much to look at. From beautiful stone buildings to pretty brick sidewalks, UCM has it all. The clock tower is one of my personal favorites. I love walking over there, late at night, and standing underneath – right in the center. Not everyone sees the beauty, but maybe they’re just not looking hard enough.

3. The People

Thanks to UCM, I have found my second family. I must admit that it took a bit of time, but the waiting was worth it. The friends I have made over the last three months have seen me laugh at jokes that aren’t funny, cry over getting B’s, and scream over getting A’s. And yet, they still love me anyway. Going home from breaks has become bittersweet. It’s hard to say goodbye to my family, but when I step foot into my dorm room and receive a dozen different hugs, I can’t help but think, “This is my home, too.”

4. The Town

Growing up, I always lived in suburban areas, pretty close to the city. UCM, on the other hand, is located in a smaller town called Warrensburg. I always had suspicions that I would love small town life and Warrensburg confirmed that for me within the very first two weeks. Sure there aren't a lot of mainstream stores and fancy food places, but there are so many cute little shops worth exploring. Some are even close enough to walk to! The perks of living in a smaller town means that we get to use our imaginations again. Whether it means driving around, picking the direction with the flip of a coin, or playing on playgrounds as if we were young again, there is so much to do.

5. The Squirrels

The squirrels on our campus have definitely provided me with an odd sense of entertainment. It seems as though everywhere you turn, there's another one. Every once in a while, while walking to class, I'll feel a nut fall onto my head. Most assume they are just falling off the trees. However, I have a suspicion that the squirrels are throwing them at me. Who knows? The only thing I am certain of is how strange UCM’s campus would be without them. The first day of classes, while walking back to my dorm with a (cute) guy I had just met, we talked about the squirrels. Apparently they even have their own Facebook page.

6. The Memories

Finally, UCM has given me a lot of memories. Some were good; some were bad. But the good always won in the end. Within three short months, I have laughed, I have cried, and I have learned. I have learned more about myself within these past few months than ever before. I have learned my strengths and my weaknesses. And I have even learned what kind of people I want in my life. I have learned to force myself out of bed even on days when I'd rather sleep, and I have learned to force friends out of bed, too. UCM has become my home and there's no doubt about it. People told me these four years would be the best years of my life, and though I hope I have even better to come, here at UCM, I’m sure they will be memorable.

And that is why I am proud to call UCM my home. Need I say more?