"I’m happy I chose Wofford because I have been able to get to know so many different types of people who have inspired me and left a mark that has shaped me into the person I am now. I feel as if the close knit community at Wofford has given me the ability to have relationships with such a wide range of people who all share the same kind of ambition, and values. Honestly, Wofford has not only introduced me to some of the best people I will ever meet, or my lifelong friends, but has taught me to push myself in order to succeed" (Olivia Vasquez, Wofford class of 2018).

"I chose Wofford because out of all the schools I looked at, I truly could see myself being the happiest and best person I could be there" (Merri Baird Gravely, Wofford incoming class of 2021).

Over the past few months, I've had multiple friends that are still in high school come visit Wofford. Each time, they loved the campus, loved the people here, and ultimately, made the decision that they wanted to come here. Every friend has always asked me why I chose Wofford. This has to be one of the toughest questions to answer.

When I was deciding which school to attend, I was between Wofford and the University of South Carolina - two completely different schools. I had always seen myself choosing Carolina, it was my dream for so long. As senior year approached, I toured both schools and immediately fell in love with Wofford (you could say I was in love with the WoCo). However, I just couldn’t see myself choosing Wofford. There was just something in the back of my mind pushing me to go to Carolina.

My dad kept telling me that I had a cousin at Wofford and that I should contact her to stay a weekend to get the full “Wofford experience.” I had literally never talked to her in my entire life. I finally decided to just embrace the awkwardness and reach out to her. I remember walking into her room in Marsh and introducing myself for the first time. She took me right in, introduced me to all of her friends, and treated me like we had been friends forever. And for that, I could never thank her enough.

That weekend at Wofford was honestly one of the most fun weekends I have had on this campus. We had dinner with her friends, went to a class, and went out to the “old row” on Friday night. It was so fun. Everyone was so nice and welcoming, eager to answer any questions I had about Wofford. They all encouraged me to choose Wofford and made me feel welcome and at home.

The Tuesday after that weekend, I had to decide where to go to school. I remember my cousin texting me and asking which school I had decided to attend.

Impulsively, I replied, "Wofford."

My decision to attend Wofford was quick and often times I wondered if I had made the right choice. I eagerly waited for move in day all summer. I was nervous that I wouldn’t make friends or that I wouldn’t feel at home. “Well, I guess you can always transfer,” I kept thinking to myself.

But as I moved into Wofford, it was quickly revealed to me that I made the right choice. This is definitely my home away from home. I have met so many people that I know I can count on for the rest of my life. The “family feel” is so apparent here and I know that if I need anything, I will always have a close group of people that I can count on.

I love that Wofford is small, even though it’s just big enough. I love that I have classes with athletes and the professors start each class by asking how their seasons are going. I also love that the professors know me by name. I love that I rarely ever pass a strange face and that I give a million “heys” on the way to class (no matter how annoying they can be). I love that everything is located within a 15-minute walk and I only have to use my car if I need to run errands off campus. And I love the beautiful campus, that only gets prettier each year.

I guess you could just sum it up and say, I just love Wofford.

So when they ask me why I chose Wofford, I honestly don’t have a great answer. But if you ask me why I stayed at Wofford, I could talk your ear off. I know that it was meant for me to come here, to find the group of friends that I have, and to call this place home for these four years. I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else. I’m thankful for all the blessings that Wofford has given me over the past year and a half, and I can’t wait for many more amazing memories.