Unless I'm talking to a University of South Florida student, parent or alum, it's common that I get a confused reaction when I mention that USF is my university. It's almost as if the second someone finds out their mind starts racing with questions like, "Did you not get accepted anywhere else? Is your major only available there? Why wouldn't you go to UF or FSU?"

Well, you're wrong. Along with practically every other student as USF — we were accepted to those schools, our majors aren't just available here and we picked this university because we were educated beyond the common person's stereotype of USF.

Here's six things that should keep all students proud of their decision to attend USF:

1. Constant Improvement

Sure, other schools around the state are boasting that they are just simply "better" than USF. Maybe years ago that was accurate, but USF was only founded in 1956. That is nearly 100 years after UF and FSU were established. Even with being practically 100 years younger than those "top tier" schools, we are no where near behind them. With our College of Nursing ranking higher, just awarded "emerging preeminence" status by the Florida Board of Governor's Strategic Planning Committee and our researchers constantly winning awards, it's safe to say there is nothing lacking when in comes to the intelligence and drive of USF students.

2. Diversity

There's really no denying how extremely diverse USF is. We have students from all over America, but even more importantly — all over the world. You don't just experience the diversity of USF when you walk around campus, seeing and hearing all the different cultures and backgrounds, you'll literally be immersed in it. In your classes, Greek life, clubs and whatever else you get involved with, you're sure to meeting different people from all over the world.

3. Beating UCF

We haven't always won every single football game, but who really cares as long as we won 44-3 playing UCF?

4. Student Body

Throughout my years at USF, I can honestly say the people on this campus never stop amazing me. Between an 18-year-old USF graduate heading off to both medical and law school, a student running for Miss Massachusetts and everything else, USF students are accomplishing every day, it's easy to see how ambitious our student body is. Aside from just accomplishments, we also have people like our Student Body President, Chris Griffin, who makes us all proud to be a USF Bull with statements like this:

5. Judy Genshaft

I'm 100 percent positive that it's impossible to not love Judy Genshaft. Everything about her radiates USF pride, and what's not to love about that? She wears green and gold better than anyone else, might actually be Judge Judy and has collected over 97 bull figures and statues since 2000 from all over the world. I don't know what's stronger, her love for USF or our love for her?

6. Campus Goals

Words can't even do it justice.