From the moment you stepped foot on Auburn University’s campus, whether to go on a campus tour or attend a football game, you frequently hear a saying: The Auburn Family. But what is the Auburn Family and what does it mean?
Well first, I can tell you what it means to me. As a Georgia born and raised girl, the University of Georgia was implemented into everything in my life. My sister attended there, which I am so proud of. Basically everyone in my family was a fan, so naturally I grew up a fan. This article isn't going to be bashing UGA, but a personal testimonial of how I realized it wasn't the place for me.
When I was a junior in high school, UGA was the only school I had my sights set on. It was UGA or nothing. Auburn University was a blip in the back of my mind, because of course it was the rival school. But sadly, that’s all I knew about it. So, when my parents suggested taking a tour there, I was hesitant. I had reservations and judgements in my mind because obviously I wouldn’t be going there, I’d be going to UGA. Boy, was I wrong.
Flashback to my first tour of campus, and I couldn’t deny how beautiful it really was. Unlike other schools I had visited, my tour guide made me feel like I already had a place at Auburn. He made me feel like this could be my home and that they wanted me here. Other schools had never quite made me feel like that. However, I still didn’t understand this “Auburn Family” I kept hearing about. Sure, you go to college and meet friends, but a family? I already have one.
Fast forward to senior year of high school: My very first acceptance letter comes in October to none other than Auburn University. My very first rejection letter comes in April from the University of Georgia.
At this point, the whole world has crumbled. I feel like I am nothing and am not good enough. How could they reject me? I’m a native to Georgia, I went to a private school, I made good grades, the list goes on. How could they not want me? I had put my worth in a school and it was failing me.
Now, I had only applied to Auburn and Georgia, so once that rejection letter came in the decision was set. I was going to Auburn. I had no close friends going and I was scared. I began my first semester only thinking about when I could transfer to UGA and get out of there. However, I was shutting out the true meaning of this Auburn Family. I cried for nights alone in my dorm, afraid I would never be accepted and make friends, but it’s because I shut down the idea that this could be my home.
When the second semester came, I knew there needed to be a change. I needed to join something or be a part of an organization. It was that moment, when I started to invest myself into Auburn, that Auburn invested itself back into me.
You see, family does not have to be blood related. It does not have to be the people you grew up with or the people from your same hometown. Family can be anywhere and everywhere. When you hear The Auburn Family, it means people that will help you and love you when you’re down. It’s students that will ask you if you need help when you’re lost on campus. And its people that don’t care where you’re from (yes, even Tuscaloosa) or what your background is. That's because as family members, we are always all in all the time. Burn down or poison our trees and try to take away our traditions? Well, the jokes on you because things like that only bring our bond closer and our love for one another greater.
This school is not just an institution or a place to earn your degree. While that is the reason for its existence, I believe that God created Auburn for something greater. Everyone should have that place where they feel welcomed and loved, and to me, that is Auburn. This Georgia native girl never thought she could say “War Eagle” or “Go Tigers” on Saturdays, or any other day of the week for that matter. But I don’t say it out of spite for hating another team or not getting into UGA. I say it because Auburn has changed me and shown me a family I never knew I could have. It has shown me hard work and determination. Therefore, without hesitation, I believe in Auburn and love it.
That is truly why The Auburn Family is more than just a saying to me.
