In 2011, when I first made the decision to go to college, the next decision was where. With so many options to choose from, and such little time, I needed to get on the ball, and quick. Luckily I had a close friend in high school saying they were making the decision to attend Stephen F. Austin State University. I had no clue where it was, but thank heavens for Google. Pulling up the Stephen F. Austin website, I saw that they were having an upcoming "Showcase Saturday," or an open house if you will. Let’s just say I came, I saw, I conquered, and I’m still here, and happy, four years later.
Stephen F. Austin (SFA) is located in the quaint, but populated, town of Nacogdoches, Texas. Located in East Texas, SFA is one of main centerpieces of the town of Nacogdoches, and it’s been such a blessing to myself and the many other students that attend. But, being in Nacogdoches, people from the outside may see it as a town where there isn’t much to do, or as a place where there aren’t opportunities to branch out and meet people, since the town is so small. This is where I tell them that they’re wrong.
Living in and going to college in small town can be quite amazing. I love being able to try out the hometown restaurants that have so much history, as well as amazing food, and since they understand that we’re college students, the deals are always great. I also love that since the town isn’t the size of Houston or Dallas, there isn’t any problem with getting to meet new people. I love being able to go eat, or go to the local bowling alley and see many of my closest friends there, some that I’ve met just by seeing them around town, which is pretty awesome.
Even though the small towns may not have the amusement parks, the museums or the aquariums that the big cities have, I don’t really complain. It forces me to find other things to do with my friends, gives me more time to study, and I can definitely save money. I’m all about saving money.
Remembering all the conversations I’ve had with friends from home, asking me about where my school was, was it in Austin, and what there was to do here was always hard to explain. It’s one of those you have to be here to experience it, moments. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for beautiful Nacogdoches, and if anyone else is attending a great university in a beautiful small town, you should feel the same way.
Don’t let anyone make you feel like your small town isn’t worth anything because you unfortunately don’t go to school in California or New York, but take pride in your small town. You have things there that hold tradition, history, and so much more, and once you take all that in and realize that, you’ll have an amazing time.
