No one likes the second choice; if they did it would be the first choice, right?
My mind was set on the college I wanted to attend, I knew who I wanted to room with, I knew where I wanted to live, and what I wanted to study. The school was only thirty minutes from my house, which was perfect because I could go home frequently to see my mom and my best friend. One thing I forgot to factor into the equation was the price; this small private school would cost an arm and a leg. Slowly but surely the dream school I had my heart set on attending was slipping through my fingers.
My mom had a school she wanted me to attend; it was my second choice. One of my biggest role models had attended that school and it seemed okay. She seemed to really love it, but when I had gone and toured it, the whole time I thought of my dream school. About how my dream school was only thirty minutes from home while this one was an hour away. At the time, being close to home was an absolute deal-breaker for me. This second choice school had everything I needed: it had a better program for the major I wanted to pursue, it was more affordable, and it had many more opportunities for me to grow. I knew this, but why would I ever admit it? I wanted to go to my dream school and my dream school only.
Before I really realized what was happening, my dream school was scratched off the list and I was enrolled at my second choice school. Let me tell you, I wasn't happy about it. I was determined to hate this school and told myself I was going to transfer. My friends and adults I knew would congratulate me on the choice I had made, but could tell—from my mediocre, “Thank you,” and the shortness with which I responded whenever they asked me questions— that I was not thrilled to be attending this school.
All summer long I dreaded going to my second choice. I had met my roommate who seemed nice enough for me to live with and I did some research and found out that the school had a dance team, so I had found something that could keep me occupied while I had to be stuck in this hell hole I had to attend.
August came painfully fast and in the blink of an eye I was moved in and my mom was walking out and leaving me at this second choice school of mine which I was hating already. All I could do was think about how badly I wanted to be at the dream school that was out of my reach.
School started and I had good classes; I was actually enjoying them. I became part of Young Life, and met some of the most incredible people who not only had the biggest hearts ever but also had the biggest love for this second choice school of mine. They made the transition easier. I joined the college dance team, and they took me in as if I had always belonged there. I had previously lost my desire to dance, and these girls taught me to love dance again. Each day I had someone I woke up to and went to bed talking to — I had my roommate by my side constantly, and I started to like her a lot more than I planned. I was trying so hard to keep on hating the place, but this second choice school that I thought was the worst thing in the world was providing me with some of the most amazing things. Whether I liked it or not or even realized it, my love for my second choice was growing day by day.
Winter break came along, which meant a month away from school, and I couldn't wait to be out of there. At the same time, break meant being away from school and my roommate who had turned out to be my best friend. It meant not being with my dance team family for a month. That's when I realized I didn't want to be at my once glorified dream school, I wanted to right where I was, at Longwood University! I wanted to be at my second choice!
As the semester is coming to a close, I look around my campus with feelings of admiration and love - even if there is an insane amount of construction going on. I can walk to class or to the dining hall and see people I know and care about, people who will stop me and ask how I’m doing. I have built the strongest friendship I have ever had before with the person that I thought would be "OK" to live with. My roommate turned out to be one of the biggest reasons I love Longwood, she taught me why and how to love my school and gave me the most incredible memories along the way. I have a dance team full of girls that I now call my family and to whom I will be returning to next year as the Public Relations Officer for the team. I have a Christian community set up that has the most incredible people with hearts for God and service for others. I have fallen wildly in love with my major of Special Education.
A few days ago, I attended a famous tradition at Longwood where there is a fire in the middle of the field, and our secret society that is the essence of the spirit of Longwood puts on a sacred ritual. Going into this event, I had no idea what I was getting into and I really thought nothing of it. As I found myself standing there in that circle with hundreds of other students watching this ceremony in complete awe, everyone was silent as members of the society participated in the ritual that they had put so much time into preparing for simply because they love our school, and, before I knew it, I found myself in tears. I felt so thankful to be standing there with my best friend’s arm around me surrounded by people that love and care about me, and I realized that I had never felt more at home before. In that moment I recognized that this second choice school is my home. I am a proud student of this second choice school; I love this second choice school more than I can put into words.
Longwood has given me things I never thought I needed. Now I can never imagine how I lived my life without those things. This second choice school has changed me and the way I look at life; it has made me a better person. This second choice school has introduced me to the most incredible people that I’m sure I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Looking back, I don't know why I ever wanted to go anywhere else. My mom knew Longwood was the right place for me, God knew Longwood was the right place for me, and now I am in agreement with them both. I couldn't be more blessed or happy to be attending this second choice school of mine.
