Nothing brings out your school pride like football, basketball and a number 1 ranking by U.S. News & World Report.

For the past 22 years, Villanova has been consistently recognized as the #1 school in the North for “Great Schools, Great Prices,” and among the nation’s best for “Undergraduate Teaching.” 

That’s pretty damn cool.

As a self-proclaimed Nationer, this makes me happy. And I don’t really mean to gloat (well maybe just a little), but it makes me proud to go to a hard school.   

After working unbelievably hard in high school to get in, and then continuing that hard work here at the Nation for the past 3 years, it’s rewarding to know that the school I love and enjoy is getting recognition.      

It may seem so insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but it’s moments like this, or a really big football win over Fordham (sorry Rams), that reminds you why you love your school so much.      

I’m sure that any other Nationer would agree that Nova pride is unlike any other. We have a sense of community and comradery, even post-graduation.      

Once a wildcat, always a wildcat….literally.     

You’ll walk into a job interview, just to find out the hiring manager went to Nova. All of a sudden, your resume stands out just a little more.   

Nova pride is like none other.   

Everyone is genuinely happy to be here. Surprisingly, most of us actually enjoy going to class because we get to walk through campus all day.   

I would say that Nova in the Fall is absolutely beautiful, but Nova is absolutely beautiful in any season. It’s one of a kind. We have a huge statue in the middle of campus that’s the setting for many photo ops as well as a church that glistens in the sunset.  

Great news, like the rankings we received yesterday is a boost of confidence. It reminds you that while you may feel vulnerable and overwhelmed by hours of homework, it’ll be worth it in the end.   

We are surrounded by motivated students and awesome professors who come to class every day because they actually want to be there. 

Going to Villanova is great.  

You can walk around campus and almost always spot a familiar face. You can join any club you want about anything from rock climbing to foreign language. People like to be involved on campus and its great.   

My Odyssey team makes up one of these organizations, with students who love to write about campus life. They’re funny and witty and the content they produce each week amazes me.   

I’m proud of my team and I’m proud of my school. Villanova wouldn’t be number 1 without all of the students faculty and moving pieces that make it work the way it does.   

So thank you, U.S. News & World Report for reminding all of us how great it is to go to this university, and how Nova pride is something that will stay with you forever.