As I've mentioned before in previous articles, I study acting at Radford University. But the story of how I got here, why I chose it over other schools, may surprise you... or not.

You see, when I committed to pursuing a career as an actor, I didn't really know where do start, I just knew it's what I wanted to do. I'd gotten into The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, as well as an acting conservatory in North Carolina, and other universities with reputable arts programs, such as VCU and GMU were more then on my radar. With all of these options, you'd think I was set, right? I mean, New York City is a dream come true. So then why did I choose this small school in the middle of southwest Virginia?

Because Radford is a true community.

You see, competition was a big part of every other school I looked at. Because most of these schools were incredibly tough to get into, it fostered an attitude within their respective communities that made the students see each other as competition. This isn't always a bad thing, but it wasn't right for me. Though I'm not one to shy away from competition, in fact I'm a very tough competitor and I very much enjoy it, when I earnestly considered how I wanted to spend the most important years of my life, I felt the more mature decision was to find a community where I could grow with my peers, not in spite of them.

Radford's admissions statistics are much more modest than many other Virginia colleges. With the lowest GPA expectations among applying high school seniors, many people would see this as a bad thing. But in fact, it's a great thing. People need to understand that there is a place for universities like Radford which prefer to welcome anyone who has the desire to be there. It encourages an entirely different attitude among the student body, and contributes to the greater community feel. Because nobody had to sacrifice their first born to get into the school, students at Radford tend to have much more optimistic attitudes, and while the courses are still plenty challenging, the university atmosphere doesn't add any undue pressure on the students.

To those who think that having lower GPA requirements means that there are a lot of air heads who just want to party, you're right...in the first semester. But rest assured that they won't be a problem once they get that letter telling them they're suspended from the university due to failing to meet the GPA requirement. Not to mention, most departments have GPA requirements of their own, some of which are extremely rigorous. The school does an exceptional job of enforcing its academic standards from what I've seen. I'm not going to give the age old "defending Radford" speech, because I don't feel like wasting my time on those who are still ignorant enough to perpetuate a reputation that my school has long since outgrown and should probably never have had in the first place. I came to Radford with passion and enthusiasm, and so have the vast majority of my classmates. Those who did not quickly realize, one way or another, that this is not the place for them.

Our new President, Dr. Brian Hemphill, brings a youthful energy to the university which is infectious among the student body. He regularly eats in Dalton dining hall with the students, greets everyone he meets with enthusiasm, and is transparent with the students about the behind the scenes events among administration (I have the emails to prove it). I mention this because it further enforces the community aspect of Radford. I have friends who don't even know who the President of their university is, but at my school it's impossible not to recognize the bow tie and cheeky smile of Dr. Hemphill, if he hasn't already introduced himself to you, that is. I don't know about you, but competent university leadership and administration is important to me.

With an undergrad student body approaching 9.000, Radford is considered by many to be right in the "sweet spot" of size. Big enough so that you don't think you're in Kansas anymore, yet not so big that you feel lost and forgotten, the size ensures a better student/teacher ratio, and further reinforces the community atmosphere. You'll more than likely know the names of everyone in your department by the end of your first semester, and odds are you'll be friends with them as well. There aren't a lot of schools that can claim that distinction.

For anybody who thinks that Radford is a "party school", here's a news flash: so is every other college ever. The idea that partying is somehow a thing that Radford does more/worse than any other school, especially in Virginia, is completely false. Plus, as I've said in a previous article, there are so many alternatives to partying if you're like me and it's not really your thing.

So to all you high school upperclassmen who are trying to decide what the hell you're going to do once you graduate, consider how valuable feeling like part of a community is to you. If you decide that it's something you're passionate about, then I'd wager that you will fit right in among the Highlanders. I've made some amazing friends here so far, and I am immensely happy with my decision. I am currently employed by the New Student Programs as a Quest Assistant (summer orientation guide), I was cast in a main stage production, have consistently gotten exceptional grades, not to mention I found this very community that I'm writing for, Odyssey at Radford University.

I've had a blast so far, and I can't wait to see what's in store for me next at my home in the mountains.

Love ya, Radford!