As a high schooler, I thought I didn’t want to go to NC State; I thought that it was too close to home. I thought I didn’t want to follow in my families footsteps, I wanted to be different. But I did end up at NC State and I could not be happier.
I come from a big family; I have tons of cousins and family members everywhere, and a lot of them attended North Carolina State University, including my Dad. My Dad is one of the biggest NC State fans out there, I think. I cannot remember a time where the Wolfpack wasn’t apart of my life. Seriously, my parents had me wearing a “NCSU” cheerleading uniform before I could talk or walk.
I applied to NC State because it just felt right, I had been in love with the school my whole life until it came time to think about college. I got in, I was very happy, I immediately called my parents (I was actually in an airport when I got the news). But I didn’t think it would be where I was going to school, I had dreams of going to school out-of-state (for reasons I am not quite sure of, I guess because it seemed cool). I didn’t even tour the school because I was that sure I was not going to go here, also because it is like 20 minutes away from my house and I had been on campus dozens of times.
As May 1st (the deadline that most universities have for students to accept admission and let the university know you intend to go to school there) came closer I kept thinking about NC State. I knew that my eight-year-old self would want nothing more than to attend NC State, I had been dreaming of that my whole life. I knew I had to make the decision for me, of course my family members wanted me to go to NC State, to carry on the family legacy. When I announced that I would be attending NC State in the fall, the amount of love and support I felt was insane! I am so thankful for my Wolfpack loving family. I was so excited to officially be a part of the Pack.
Being a freshman is so exciting. People give you free stuff, there are hundreds of clubs and classes to sign up for, and thousands of new friends and memories to be made. I was invited to attend the "Legacy Luncheon" to celebrate being a second-generation student at NC State; it was such a cool experience to get to see just how many of us there were carrying on a legacy. I am now on week 6 of this (hopefully) 4 year journey, and I already know I found my home away from home. It is honestly everything I expected it to be and more. I could not be more grateful of the path that was paved leading me to NC State.
There is nothing I love more than wearing Red and White on Game Day, going to Carter-Finley Stadium for football games, PNC Arena for basketball games and throwing up the Wolfpack sign in all situations.
To any kid that is scared of continuing a legacy, or feels pressured to do so, just know it is your choice. It is your education, four years of your life, choose what will make you the happiest. I know there can be pressure from your parents, grandparents or whoever else, but choose somewhere YOU want to be. But I will tell you it has been the best decision I have ever made.
