I was born and raised to be an Indiana University fan. I have always been a die-hard Hoosiers fan. Therefore, IU seemed like the only choice for me when it was time to start choosing a college. My older sister, Olivia, strongly recommended Indiana State University to me. She repeatedly said "you would love it here." I kept telling her that I would keep ISU in mind when, at the time, I had no intentions of doing so. I wanted to walk the same campus that my heroes such as Bracey Wright, D.J. White, Victor Oladipo, and Yogi Ferrell once walked. However, I took a deeper look into which college to attend. In the end, I decided to attend Indiana State University, and I am so happy that I did. After one semester, I can already tell I made a fantastic decision for myself.

First of all, I realized I was only so infatuated with IU because I was a fan of their sports teams. When I actually took a look at the campus, I was terrified at how big it really is. I learned very fast that a large school was really no school for me. ISU's campus is a perfect size for me, as there is no such thing as a long walk.

I've heard the many stories about people rooming with their best friends from high school and being miserable with the decision. I decided to room with my best friend from high school, and people told me I would regret it. Mark and I make a pretty great roommate duo. We share food and drinks, an X-Box, and many other things. Although we've had a few minor arguments, they haven't made me regret my decision at all. Mark, there isn't a person I would rather share a dirty room with!

My classes, especially the ones required for my major, were great! The best thing about college is learning about things that interest you. In high school, I lacked motivation because I simply didn't care for the subjects at all. In college I have found much more enjoyment out of going to classes and doing homework. My grades have really improved compared to high school, and I am proud of myself for that.

Having a sister at college isn't as bad as I first thought it was. When I started making my way around campus and met new people, I was often referred to as "Olivia's brother." I will be honest, it really upset me. I am a person who likes to be known for who I am. I know the people who called me "Olivia's brother" didn't mean to upset me, so I don't really blame them. I was just being a little selfish at the beginning. I am starting to make my own name and gain my own reputation. Also, Olivia is awesome because she has been there to help me with anything and everything. She has introduced me to great people and I am happy to have her around.

I have already made some really great friends in my first semester. The people who live on my floor in my resident hall are cool, and I enjoy hanging out in the lounge with them. I also have gotten close with people in the same major as me. It's easy to find common ground with people within my major, because we have similar goals and mindsets. Lastly, I would like to mention Devin Graham, because we have already become very close friends. He is a great guy who has been there for me since day one. I know I can come to him for any of my problems, no matter how big they are. I can already tell we will be friends for life, and I'm thankful to have already made a friend like that.

Lastly, I want to talk about the fraternity I joined. I became a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, or Pike, at ISU. I am so honored to be a part of a sacred fraternity and share a bond with my brothers. Pike has already given me new connections, new friendships, and new motivation to better myself as a man. Within Pike, I was able to join an Acapella group known as the Garnet Gentlemen. We recently performed Christmas songs at the sororities on campus and at the President's open house for faculty. It has been a blast to practice music and get to know the guys in the group. I am already extremely proud to be a Pike, and ready for my future in the fraternity.

This is a summary of my first semester at Indiana State University. I am extremely happy with my decision and I can't wait to continue my education. I have never been so content and happy with my life, and I am ready to continue bettering myself as a person. I am proud to be an Indiana State Sycamore!