The first time I toured my university, I was in 7th grade. I wish I could say that I fell in love with the campus then and the rest was history, but truthfully, that's not how it went at all. I grew up relatively close to where I now attend college and ended up touring the campus at least 3 times on field trips throughout my schooling. It never really stood out to me as a place I'd want to spend four years of my life.

I spent my entire childhood thinking that when college rolled around, I'd head off to somewhere far away from home and start a new life as a sophisticated college student who had everything in order. It didn't really end up working out the way I always dreamed it would.

When I first decided to attend San Diego State, I was kind of self-conscious. I was proud of the fact that I'd gotten in since it's historically difficult for kids from my community to get accepted here, as evidenced by the fact that some of my classmates didn't. But I was also afraid that people would think less of me for attending somewhere that's so often deemed a "party school."

In high school, I was shy and quiet. I took AP classes and got good grades. People whom I shared a classroom with now attend the likes of Princeton and Cornell, so when I decided to attend a state school, and one known for partying at that, I feared that people would think less of me.

I thought I might get my "smart kid" title revoked since I wasn't going to a UC or private school. But now, a year later, I can truthfully say that I couldn't be happier with my decision.

Since coming to school here, I've been able to break away from the shy persona I've carried with me my whole life. Now, I'm the funny girl in class instead of the quiet one. I work hard and get good grades and get to pursue things I'm interested in during my free time.

It seems so silly to me now that I ever doubted my decision to go school here. I'm truly living my best life and flourishing here in a way I never knew I could.

As I sit here in the library, I can see out the window a bunch of students and parents touring the campus I've grown to love so much. I hope they make the right decision for themselves. Whether they end up here, or somewhere 3,000 miles away, I hope that finding the right school helps them to find themselves in the way that I've been able to.

Reflecting on where I was a year ago, I can see how much my mindset has changed. Who cares if people think I'm lesser because of where I chose to get my education? It's less about where you end up, and more about what you make of your time there. And trust me, I'm going to make it count.