When I was a senior is high school, I made up my mind that I was not going to go to college in Kansas. This was my one chance to get out of this boring state, meet a new set of people, and finally experience something new. My parents went to college in Minnesota and my sister went to Mizzou. I had no ties to Kansas University at all.
My dad had a lot of friends who went to Kansas State and thought it would be a great fit for me. When I asked them why I should go there, they all said the same thing.
When you get on campus, you fall in love with it.
That was a lame answer. I resisted my dad’s push as long as I could until, reluctantly, I went for a visit. I resisted every positive comment about it right up until I set foot in Anderson Hall and was greeted by a friendly “Hi Kristin! Welcome to K-State!”
At that moment, I realized what everyone was telling me was true. I was in love. I wanted to wear purple. I wanted to experience this crazy school pride. I wanted to be a Wildcat.
From the minute I met with admissions, my visit was amazing. Every student and staff member I met treated me like I was something special. They treated me like I could make a difference on this campus. The friendly atmosphere was unlike any campus I had seen. Even students walking to class would shout out to the group tour ‘Welcome to K-State!’ I was in awe.
On top of the amazing atmosphere, let me talk about the incredible campus. The beautiful buildings, the blooming trees in the middle of spring, and the short walk from one end to another convinced me even more—not to mention, Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Enough said.
The last thing that sealed to deal for me to go to K-State was the family mentality. At K-State we often say we are a family. But, unlike other campuses, we mean it. Anything to make my experience better, K-State made it happened. I learned about K-State Proud for the first time and saw first-hand how students helped students. I saw the residence halls and how you grew close to the people one your floor (Cloud 9 forever!). I saw the pride that came along with loving your school. I saw how a mascot could be a celebrity (because Willie is a god). And lastly, I saw how once you are a wildcat, you are a wildcat for life. Our alumni come back to Manhattan any chance they get and their love for K-State is just the same.
As I enter my junior year, I couldn’t imagine my life anywhere else. K-State will always be my home away from home. I bleed purple and I always will.
