A year ago today, I was a high school senior and I just got accepted into what I thought was my “number one” school. It was the only envelope I was anxious about. I didn’t think that all the others mattered as much, but that changed when my parents sat me down and asked “Don’t you think we should visit some other schools, too?” I don’t think they doubted that I would get into my top-choice college, but they did want to make sure I was fully aware of my other options so that I could make a well-informed decision that had the potential to alter the rest of my life.

Mom and Dad, if you’re reading this, thank you. As soon as I visited Temple University, I could see my “dream school” in the rearview mirror. It’s hard to say what exactly opened my eyes and changed my mind for good back then, but after a successful first semester of freshman year, it couldn’t be more clear that I made the right decision.

I’m studying in a program that is dedicated to setting me up to succeed in my industry. Statistics and studies continue to prove that the departments within Temple University contribute greatly toward their student’s successes. I’ve been provided with access to outstanding faculty, staff, and alumni who have years of experience within the industry to offer up their knowledge and advice. There are endless resources and offices that are more than willing to advise us and guide us in the right direction.

I’m surrounded by the people I want to succeed with. Temple University is incredibly diverse, and I think that is one of the best attributes this school has to offer. Everyone here is “one of a kind” and brings something unique to the university.

We come from every corner of the nation, and tons of countries abroad. There is nothing I love more than the sense of unity and love for our school that still emerges despite all of our differences. It’s visible in our excelling academic statistics, our outstanding athletic teams, and our extensive list of student organizations.

I’m the perfect distance from home. For me, that means a 30-minute car ride that allows me to feel independent but still close enough to see my parents a couple times a month. For other people, that distance may be a road trip throughout the state or a plane ride across the country. It’s all about personal preference, but it makes the world of a difference when I get to squeeze my dog on the weekends and enjoy my favorite home cooked meal.

I’m captivated by the vibrant student-life and the on-campus culture I’ve found here. The “hustle-and-bustle” of the city has given me a new sense of motivation, and has convinced me that the area of Temple's campus and it's proximity to downtown Philadelphia cannot be beat.

When I cross Broad Street and catch a glimpse of Center City from two miles away, I see the buildings and offices I am striving to work in after I receive my degree. There are prestigious opportunities of internships and introductory careers that many undergraduate students would chose to commute upwards of an hour to have, but they’re just a 10 minute bike ride for us.

Speaking of student-life, there’s nothing quite like the game-day atmosphere. We’re so lucky to have talented athletes and sports teams that continue to set the bar high year after year. The school spirit is electric, and it’s always exciting to see everyone dressed in their owl-best at events!

I promise I have my priorities straight, but I won’t deny that the food has had a serious effect on my positive experience so far. The food selections at Temple put the cliché college dining hall slop to shame. There are restaurants and food stands representing nearly every culture on the globe, and there are the classics that we’ve grown to love. (Ahem, Chick-fil-A on campus takes meal swipes.) We don’t even mind eating in our dining halls because they’re great, too!

But I honestly don’t know what I would do without the dozens of food trucks and the world-class breakfast sandwiches that are a five minute walk from my front door. I guess I consider myself a “foodie” (being that every plan I make for the weekend somehow revolves around getting food and usually ends with me taking cool pictures of it) so it only makes sense that the chow on campus makes the list of why I love it here at Temple.

To the high school seniors who are struggling with the dilemma of choosing which college is the best fit for them: When those admission decisions have finished rolling in and it’s time to take the final step and commit yourself to a school, do one thing—be selfish. It sounds strange, but this is one of the only times it is essential. It’s all about your success and your college experience. This decision should be oriented around your own priorities and needs, and hopefully a little bit of selfishness will lead you to deciding on a school that you’ll want to gloat about as much as I do.