Remember where you came from, but don’t let it define you. Going to college, in general, can be the most eye-opening experience in a person’s life, especially if you’re going to a school that triples your hometown population.

The very first time I was on campus, for my tour, I got to participate in a meeting with a business school professor and another student. Both of our families also got to attend the meetings and I was beyond excited. I didn’t know what I wanted to do for sure, but business seemed interesting so I was excited about the opportunity to get to meet face to face with a faculty member. I remember that meeting more vividly than a lot of things because of what the other student and the professor said. The other student, who was from out of state and had an outstanding high school record, informed us all of his AP classes and various awards that pertained to his school. He also mentioned — several times — his 4.0 GPA.

While he talked I nervously squirmed in my chair and looked at my parents who were probably thinking the same things. My high school had 700 kids K-12. We didn’t have AP classes, I didn’t have a 4.0, and I had no college credits from dual enrollment. When he finished speaking to the professor I could have laid down and died knowing what was about to happen. The professor looked at me and asked about my AP classes and what college credits I had. I tensed up and trying not to let my eyes water out of embarrassment I told him that I was from a small town in Alabama and that my high school didn’t have any programs like AP classes and didn’t offer dual-enrolment. As I said that, I watched the other student perk up, sitting up straighter in his chair. He was practically gleaming with pride and I knew he had reason to. I had no awards, no fancy anything really. I was just there. The professor leaned back in his chair for a moment, and then he leaned back towards me and said, “Well, you got into this school just like he did, and you deserve to be here just as much as he or anyone else does.”

It felt so relieving to hear something like that from a high-ranking professor at my dream school. My dad patted me on the back as I relaxed and began talking to the professor about the opportunities waiting for me at college. I watched the other kid give me a dirty look a turn away, but at that point, he didn’t matter anymore. I realized that while I may not have the fancy school or fancy awards or perfect GPA, we both got into the same school. I was sitting in that office because I deserved that opportunity just like he did.

The moral of my story is this, be proud of where you came from. Don’t forget the town that gave you 18 years of memories and friendships, but don’t let it define you. Don’t allow other people whose graduating class amounts to your entire high school intimidate you. College is a chance to start over. You’re all on the same level again. I never saw that kid again and I didn’t go into business, but that day will forever remain in my memory because that was the day I realized you can come from a huge city or a town with one red light, but it is YOU who defines your success not your geographical location, high school size, or educational programs. You have to be driven to put in the work to allow yourself the chance to succeed. If you’ve got the drive to be a success, it doesn't matter where you come from, it just matters that you get where you want to go.