When I first started seriously looking at colleges to go to, I wanted absolutely nothing to do with UNL. Honestly, I hated the thought that I might end up there. All throughout high school, for some reason I had never been able to see it as a school that would be able to bring me a high-quality education or success. I was sure that all it was is the “back-up” school where people went who couldn’t get accepted anywhere else, especially because almost a quarter of all the senior classes from my high school end up going to Lincoln. But, when it was time to narrow down my choices for schools, it came to Lincoln, UNK or Northwest Missouri State. I absolutely loved the other two schools, but for some weird reason I ended up sending my acceptance to UNL, and boy, I’ve never been happier about a decision in my life.

I just feel at home. This is my home. Sure, my mom, dad, and pets are still in my hometown, but home is where the heart is. The University of Nebraska – Lincoln has my heart, forever. Sometimes when I’m walking through campus I’ll find myself wondering why I ever even questioned my decision to come to Lincoln. It’s so beautiful in every single way, especially in the evenings with the sunsets shining unimaginable colors from behind the stadium, and the birds singing while squirrels scurry around all over the sidewalks and up the trees in the mornings.

I live for Husker game days. Nebraskans live for game days. It’s something that unites us and it lets us all embrace our inner Husker (even if you’re not actually a Husker). In some parts of the state, the whole town basically shuts down for the games because it’s pretty much a way of life on Saturdays. Whether you celebrate it by tailgating with a big group of friends, bellying up to the bar with some nachos and a cold drink, hanging out in the basement in front of the TV or getting the full experience at Memorial, you’re not a true Nebraskan if you don’t take time out of your day to watch the game.

Everybody is so friendly, too. I could be walking to a class that’s half-way across campus and exchange smiles with the majority of the people I walk past, whether I know them or not. Everybody knows their manners and actually uses them—if somebody doesn’t hold the door for the person behind them, then they’re out of place. As far as friendships go, I can tell you without a doubt in my mind that the people I have met, whether in the Greek community or not, will be in my life forever. They are some of the most genuine, kind, and supportive people I know who are continuously encouraging me to better myself to be the person who I would be proud of in the future.

As for the school part of UNL, holy cow was I wrong about it not being a high-quality education. I work by butt of every single day, often putting in more than 30 study hours per week. It’s great because the university rewards you for doing well in classes through scholarships, making the Dean’s List (woo!) or even inviting you to join Academic Honors Societies, which are pretty much the biggest academic compliments that you could receive. The professors are, for the most part, very passionate and amazing at what they teach and they really, truly care about their students’ success and only want them to do the best they can, so they will do everything in their power to be sure you do.

There are not enough words to be able to describe the amount of school spirit I have for my college, and this article does not do it justice. If you want to experience the Sea of Red on game days or dip your toes in the fountain in front of the Union during the summer, come see for yourself. I can promise you one thing: You will never regret your decision to attend UNL!