Unfortunately, it did not take long after my arrival for me to come to the scary realization that I wasn't happy. Yes, it was partially a cocktail of homesickness and being away from the familiarity of high school, but beyond that, I simply wasn't happy and couldn't see myself pursuing the rest of my college years here. I didn't seem to fit the "typical" Villanova student mold, and grew apprehensive about my significance at school. And yes, freshman year is tough for everyone, so I decided to give it a shot and finish out the year. But upon entering my second year, I still felt incredibly uneasy about continuing, so at the beginning of my sophomore year, I applied to transfer out of Villanova.
On the last day of the semester, I put down my deposit at another institution, packed everything up, and prepared myself to leave Villanova for good. I was definitely excited to start fresh, but something kept tugging at me, as if I shouldn't be done here yet. Once I got home, I couldn't help but reconsider my decision. And even further, while I was reevaluating, I began to recollect all the amazing attributes that Villanova has to offer.
1. Campus
I mean, have you seen Villanova's campus?
2. The Sense of Community Regardless of Where You Are
I was visiting a friend during a break and happened to be wearing a Villanova sweatshirt. It was getting pretty late and the sun began setting, so I started jogging from the bus stop to her dorm. While I was running, I heard a car approaching me. Naturally, I began freaking out, but before I could even think about what to do, college students rolled down their windows, held up their V's and yelled, "Go cats!!"
I almost cried.
3. Greek Life
Everyone has their own reasons for joining Greek life, but for me, I simply wanted to meet people and step outside my comfort zone. These girls have been there for me through my highest of highs and lowest of lows.
I got way more than I bargained for, because as cheesy as it sounds, thanks to Kappa, I have met amazing girls who will remain in my life for - pretty much - ever. #justgirlythings
4. Getting Ready for Formals
Quad pics? Down. Driscoll? Down.
If you go on any Villanova student's Instagram, 9 out of the 10 times, you'll see a picture with Driscoll or the Quad in the background, so be prepared.
5. Blue Key
Having given tours in high school, I immediately jumped on the opportunity to join Blue Key once I enrolled.
Of course, I enjoy meeting prospective students and families and showing them all around campus, but my main reason for joining Blue Key was to represent minorities on campus. It's been tough for me not to see a lot of people who look like me, so I wanted to be that someone to whom prospective students, as well as peers, could relate.
6. Candidate's Day
I don't think I smile or cry more than I do than on Candidate's Days. When we get in formation for the Spirit Line to welcome admitted students and families on campus, members of Blue Key scream and shout, all while dancing and singing at the top of their lungs.
The look I see on parents' faces and the smiles of admitted students make me cry. every. single. time.
7. VSB
In 2016, we were ranked #1 Business School by Bloomberg.
They're not ranking anymore, so I guess we'll stay that way for a while. Lol.
8. The Same 4 Restaurants Within a 4-Mile Radius of Villanova
The food in the dining halls are decent so stop bashing, but when we do need a break from the omelet and bibimbop stations, Taco Tuesday, or Wing Wednesday, it's really no question when it comes to restaurants off campus.
9. Constant Improvement on Campus
Anonymous Villanova Student
It's essentially a euphemism for: construction on every square inch of campus.
Yes, it's annoying that there is construction all throughout campus, but I see it as a step in a positive direction.
10. Giving Back
Villanova is all about service, so it makes me happy to see how enthusiastically we participate in Day of Service to give back to our community. I have always appreciated how Villanova gives us opportunities to do good and help others out.
11. Alumni Networking
Through the Nova Network, I was matched with a mentor who has similar interests as me and is pursuing a career I am fascinated by.
We met in person and - I'm not even going to lie - the similarities were uncanny. She, along with thousands of other alumni, volunteered to give back to the Villanova community by guiding students through their college and career paths. She is willing to help me with anything and constantly reminds me that she is only a call or text away.
12. Coach Jay Wright
Even with an offer of double a $3.9M salary, you still go Nova (; #byeucla
13. Basketball Games
Juliette Carman
4.7 seconds. Enough said.
14. The Professors
Professors at Villanova are just simply different. They know us by name, and not just a number. The inevitable stress of classes, as tough as it can get, is alleviated by the professors and their utmost passion about the subject and their willingness to help us achieve our goals.
15. My CE Group
For those who don't know what CE is, it's a class that requires a LOT of patience and very little sleep. You're thrown into a randomly selected group of 10 other students, with whom you will spend every. waking. moment. with to complete a 50-page marketing plan and presentation by the end of the semester. We've trudged through the longest of nights and the earliest of mornings, but we did it together. We have quite literally gone from being complete strangers to people whom I now consider some of my closest friends at Villanova. I've definitely heard my fair share of horror stories of groups not liking each other, saying it's a hit or miss when it comes to the random selection.
But I can safely say that I struck GOLD with these people.
16. The Courts
The outsider may be unfamiliar with this term.
To the average Villanova student, it's a term that's been coined to counter the argument of "Villa-No-Fun." So think again.
17. Tailgates
Whether the day begins at 7 AM or 7 PM, we're ready.
18. Kindness
A friend once said, "Weird, but everyone holds doors which actually shows a lot in my opinion."
And as trivial as it may seem, the little things definitely add up.
19. Friends
There aren't enough words to describe how lucky I got with the friends I have made at Villanova.
Like the wise Winnie the Pooh once said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
20. Nova Nation
Personally, no other school came close in this category. Sure, the alumni networking is strong and basketball games are insane, but the sense of community that Villanova offers whether it be on campus or off was the ultimate reason I chose to stay.
Initially, I didn't feel like I could fit the typical Villanova mold, but I have decided to change the mold altogether. I set out with the intention of writing this as an informative article, but it really transformed into more of a thank you to Villanova.
So subconsciously, I say thank you Villanova. Thank you for helping me become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Thank you for all the tears, the laughs, the extra 15 pounds, the under-eye bags caused by long nights, and then some.
Yes, I know not everything will be rainbows and butterflies, but I'm ready to take on the challenges. Looking back now, it's surreal to me that I'm almost halfway through college. I'm not where I want to be yet, but I know for a fact that I have so much more to give and take, and so many people to get to know. I'm excited for what's to come, because I'm back and better than ever, and I'm here to stay.
And to the student who may be confused and questions their role at Villanova or any other school for that matter - do something about it. It's four years of your life that you can't undo, so make the most of it.
Whatever you end up doing - you got this.
