Determining what type of higher education is right for you is one of the most important and difficult decisions young high schoolers have to make as adolescents. There are so many things to take into consideration when choosing the “right” school. Some students want to spend their next four years having adventures in another state, some want to be a part of a large school, and some follow their love of sport by choosing to go play a few more years. Whatever the decision is, the time comes when you have to figure out what is next for you.

Three years ago when the ball was in my end of the court, and it was my turn to make up my mind, I can recall the conflicting thought I had. What if I said yes to the wrong school? Yes, transfers are allowed, but a wasted semester would be a setback nonetheless. At the time, I was ignorant to some of the important differences between a state and liberal arts school. I knew the population varied, but other than that I was simply an enthusiastic senior looking to embrace a new chapter in my life.

When looking for what school was the perfect “fit,” I stumbled upon Texas Lutheran University, a small liberal arts college located in Seguin, Texas. What’s Seguin, you ask? Well, Seguin is known for having the largest pecan. It is a small town filled with so much culture and pride. To the naked eye it may just seem like a quick stop for Whataburger as you’re flying down I-10, but I assure you that there is so much beauty if you give it a chance.

The beauty of Seguin is another story, but back to the school that many love; TLU. Upon enrolling, I still had my hesitation. What if school was boring? What if everyone hated me, or worse, what if I hated TLU? Regardless of the hesitations that were lingering in the back of my mind, I did what anyone would do and stayed as optimistic as possible. As time progressed I had the chance to truly unravel the liberal arts experience and appreciate the idea behind this type of university. Some may think that “fluff” classes are a waste of time. For those that have no idea what I am referring to, these are classes that are outside of one’s major that many liberal arts universities require out of all of there students.

By taking these courses I was able to strengthen my love for my major and find other topics I was passionate about. However, I have many friends that have taken these types of classes and realized that they were in the wrong major. More than that, I love how TLU has given me the freedom to be me. I know what you’re thinking; Texas Lutheran students are probably force to attend chapel and have a certain faith, but that’s not it. We are encouraged to pursue our beliefs, regardless of the school title. Freedom to be you is a powerful and important part of finding yourself as a young adult and TLU does such a great job of facilitating this growth.

I guess the whole idea behind this is to expose you, my reader, to the idea of a liberal arts university. No, I am not saying you need to transfer to TLU and join me in my boasting, but I do want you to be aware of the purpose behind this curriculum structure and religious affiliation. Many of my state school friends are quick to judge our book by its cover, but we are more than we are made out to be. I am proud to be a bulldog and proud of the components of TLU that have molded me.