It's no secret to any student that making the decision to go to college is a very long and stressful one. The uncertainty is unbearable, especially if you're anxiety-ridden like me.

From the moment I was able to comprehend the concept of higher education, my parents were almost forceful in their efforts to get me to and through college. My parents are immigrants, they both came from Colombia years before I was born and their goal was to raise me to be someone who is successful. They made the necessary sacrifices and efforts to make sure I had everything I needed to go to school.

I did well in school, I loved learning and working hard to get good grades. I put a lot aside to excel in my classes. There was never any question that I'd be going to college, so when the time came, I had been prepared to choose.

Granted, there were a lot of mistakes I made in high school that I wish I had realized sooner. However, I applied to several colleges, some in and out of state. I was accepted to every one I applied to, much to my delight.

Where I ran into issues was the reality that my family did not and does not have the money to support a college education. This is the sad truth for a lot of children of immigrant families. I chose my college largely based off of the financial support that it would provide. I also wanted to visit the campus, try to envision myself there, and see if it felt like home.

In the beginning, Rider was definitely not my first choice. I really did not know where I wanted to go. Every campus I went to felt the same and didn't feel like home. I went to Washington as well, just to see if it was a matter of it being in New Jersey.

In the end, I decided that I would simply choose one, already resigning myself to the fact that I would not be excited about a college in particular. I made my decision to go to Rider, with no prior knowledge or experience about the college.

I went there for an event without much excitement, however, I left incredibly happy that somehow I had made the best choice. The campus was beautiful and small, it was perfect. Now, every time I visit, I am reminded that I made the right choice.

To all of those that were scared or are scared to go to college, understand that everything will work out, trust your instincts and you will be led in the right direction.