"Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy."
The world of college is crazy and overwhelming, it's exciting and consuming, and is ultimately the best years of your life. Picking the perfect place is tough, but choosing the school that makes you feel right at home is the best feeling.
As I enter my junior year of college, I am reflecting on the time I have spent at what feels like the best school in the world. From the moment I stepped onto my campus for my college visit, I knew it was where I wanted to spend the next chapter of my life. The people, the buildings and the overall atmosphere gave me this feeling that I could not let go of. College is a huge part of your life. It is the time for learning new things, having a lot of fun, and growing up and becoming wiser. All of these things can be done anywhere, but only the best possible outcome of them can be done somewhere you love.
When I applied to college, I was looking for a big school that had a lot going on. I wanted to have options and be able to get involved in a ton of organizations. I was looking for a place I could call home and a place I never wanted to leave. Had I not followed my heart, I would not have ended up where I was meant to be.
Tuition is a b*tch (especially when it is out-of-state). College can be super expensive and a lot of the times, that is why most students can't end up attending the school they want to. I was told about in-state schools only because that was going to be the most financially stable decision for my family (who still had to put two more through college after me!). I understood, but as time went on, I just wasn't happy with the choices of colleges in my state. I applied to Virginia Tech, and hoped I would get in with all of my heart. I visited in March, before hearing back from admissions, and fell completely and utterly in love with a school. My beaming heart could not be let down, or so I thought.
I got accepted to Virginia Tech (I mean clearly since I am writing this). I was in and there was nothing holding me back from becoming a Hokie in the fall of 2015. Well, there was one thing. Tuition was nearly 40,000 dollars out of state. 40,000 for one year of college. 40,000 for me to be able to go to the school of my dreams. 40,000 my family didn't have. My dad tried to reason it out, but it just wasn't working. He told me I couldn't go.
Remember when I said nothing could bring me down? Well nothing could. I fought for what I wanted harder than anything I ever had before. I started working more hours at work, I started to sell my clothes, I did everything in my power to be able to make this dream a reality. It wasn't enough, but it was help and help was all I needed.
Every year, I have to take loans out in my own name to attend Virginia Tech. I make that sacrifice because I know I will never regret the money spent for the best four years of my life. Every year, I try to do something more to help with the cost of attendance and every year I make myself more proud. Just before coming home for summer this year, I received a letter telling me that I had received a scholarship for my junior year. My heart is still so full of love that someone recognized my dedication to my school work and my dedication to being a Hokie.
Every cent that goes towards my education and my time at college will forever be the best money I will ever spend. I am happier than ever before in my life and I have Virginia Tech to thank for that (and my parents for believing in my dreams). Go to the school your heart tells you to, I promise you won't regret it.
