By now, most of you have probably figured out that I move quite a bit, so I’m always the “new kid” at any school. Last year, when I found out that I would be moving to New Jersey, I immediately began to research colleges nearby my new house that I could transfer to, yet live at home.

I found a few online, but nothing really blew me away.

I shared the concern with my mom that I had no idea where I wanted to go, so she recommended the school she had gone to 33 years prior, Widener University.

I quickly google searched the university and was ultimately relieved to see that they had my major of pre-physical therapy and were willing to take almost all of my transferring credits. What felt like a blink of an eye, I had applied and was anxiously awaiting my acceptance letter in the mail.

A few months later, I walked outside to grab the mail from our mailbox and there it was, my acceptance letter to Widener. It felt like a meant to be and I was thrilled. I never thought that I would be going to the same school that my mom had attended.

The night before it was my first day of school at Widener, I felt myself very ready and excited for this new chapter in my life. So much so, that I sprung out of bed and got dressed that first day faster than I ever have. There’s just something about a new college.

I left early from my house to ensure that I would not be late to my first class and so I could find my way to the correct classroom.

I parked my car in the lot, texted my mom that I had gotten there safely, then suddenly heard a thud. I looked around to make sure that everything was alright, only to find out that my car was what was not alright. The girl in the car next to me had gotten out and swung her door into mine – what a great start.

I proceeded on with my day to find that I liked every class and my professors, so I knew Widener was going to be a perfect fit.

Once a month had passed at this new school and I was settled in there, I wanted to get connected with more people and possibly join a club. I attended the club fair, but none felt right.

I then looked up the varsity sports that were offered, found that running was an option, emailed the coach, and two days later became a member. The girls on my team were so welcoming and I have them to thank for making the transition an easy one.

Transferring to Widener was probably the best decision that I have made thus far in my life. If I had not decided to go there, I would never have met the people that I did, gotten back into running or discovered my love for journalism.