Go Blue! For some people, these two simple words have no meaning and seem quite random.

However, to the over 550,000 University of Michigan Alumni and 40,000 current students in Ann Arbor, these words will be carried with them through the rest of their lives. For me, the dedication and pride associated with the University of Michigan and chanting “Go Blue” started at a young age.

Actually, it started the day I was born. You see, both of my parents went to (what I deem) the greatest school in the country. I take that back. The world.

So, for me, I was wearing Michigan onesies and decked out in maize and blue to be plopped on the couch to watch Michigan football games since day one.

When I was eight years old, I visited U of M for the first time. I think I had a grin on my face the entire day. From getting to spin the famous “Cube” to buying my very own Michigan sweatshirt at M Den, to walking through the snowy Diag, there was a magical feeling at this place.

I even got a “Kids PB&J” sandwich from Zingerman’s…thankfully my taste buds have expanded in the past 10 years and I get something a little more interesting!

Flash forward 17 years, and I was applying for college. I, of course, had Michigan on my list but wasn’t sure if it was the school for me. Was it too big? Would I get “lost in the crowd?” Was I just copying my parents and trying to make them happy? These were the thoughts that floated through my head during the first semester of senior year of high school.

On December 21st, 2016, I got into Michigan.

I cried, screamed, and smiled the biggest I have in my entire life. My head was full of so many emotions and I was overwhelmed. Would I finally get to experience Michigan for myself, not just through my parent's experiences in AA? Do I commit to school today?

I decided to wait it out, see what other schools I got into, and think about what school was the best for me.

Well, who was I kidding? By February 3rd, I realized there truly was no decision to be made.

Michigan was the school for me. Not to make my parents happy. Not to make my friends and teachers happy. To make me happy. This was the place I knew was the best for me, both academically and socially. I would be able to make my own path there, creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Finally, I was able to chant “Go Blue!” not only for my parent's alma mater but for my school!

After being a freshman here for almost 2 months, I know I made the right decision. I have made incredible friends, learned my way around campus (almost :)), and am working extremely hard in my classes.

To all the people who are afraid of “following their parent's footsteps,” just remember, you’re able to make your own path wherever you go, you just have to work for it. "I can't wait until Parents' Weekend when I can show my parents my school! Things have changed here since the early 90's...