“What on earth are you doing here?!”

Two months into my freshman year at the University of Oklahoma, and I still get this reaction every time I tell someone I’m from California. While the idea of the west coast may seem exotic and alluring to people who are from this part of the country, it also seems to blind them to appreciating what is so special about OU. While California is great, I’m here to tell you why people shouldn’t be so surprised that I left to come to OU. 

The first thing I immediately noticed when I got to OU was the people because they were different from anyone I had met before. They were extraordinarily nice. They were not just polite nice, but sincerely nice in the way that they welcomed you and made you feel at home upon meeting you for the first time. Being far from home, and lacking the safety net of friends from high school, I deeply appreciate this warm quality of the people here. 

The culture and social norms of OU are also remarkable. When I first got here I was shocked that boys would hold a door open for me even when I was 20 yards away. In case you didn’t know, the practice of taking the time to hold the door open for others does not exist in many parts of the country. The culture and the exceptional people at OU continue to prove to me, daily, that chivalry is alive and well, and kind hearted people are not a rarity. 

OU’s Greek life is another central component that adds to the school’s attraction. Greek life at OU has a large presence in student life and has immense power to improve and enrich your college experience. Going through rush and joining a sorority is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Being part of a house has opened up so many wonderful things to me. I was able to become a part of a sisterhood and be introduced to countless girls who I am proud to call my friends -- and this was before school even began. Also, it gave me the chance to participate in events and traditions like bid day, philanthropy fundraisers, and big/little reveal, where I made memories that I know I will look back on as highlights of my college career. One more aspect of OU’s Panhellenic organization is the way it pushes you to get involved on campus and represent your house in the best light possible. It is inspiring to have a whole house behind you, supporting and motivating you to become the best version of yourself. 

OU  also encourages you to become your 2.0 self by providing endless opportunities to get involved. There is a club for everything you could imagine and they all offer ways to get involved, and make a positive contribution at OU. I found a club to fulfill every interest I had in mind. I joined OU Nightly, which provides an excellent opportunity to get hands on experience in my major. OU Cousins allows me to serve as a mentor and meet international students. CAC Crew grants me events to volunteer at and ways to help out with campus activities. Being part of all of this has significantly expanded my horizons and enhanced my Sooner experience. It is almost impossible not to find your niche here. 

If all those things aren't enough to convince you of OU’s impressive standing, then its beautiful campus should have no trouble swaying you. When I picture the quintessential college campus, OU fits the description perfectly. The Gothic architecture of the buildings captures the classic college feel and the campus landmarks, such as the monumental football stadium, beautiful Headington Hall dorm, the greenery of the South Oval, and the spots that represent campus traditions all shape OU’s character and set it apart from other colleges. I am constantly finding new favorite spots on campus and continue to be amazed by the beauty of OU each day.

An obvious component that contributes to the allure of OU is its football team. There is nothing like game day at OU when the streets are covered in a sea of crimson and cream, and the whole town rolls out with tailgates in tow to support our talented Sooners. The passion and spirit of OU fans is incredible in the way that they live and breathe OU football. I’ve only been here a short time, and already I found myself wrapped up in Sooner spirit, watching the game against West Virginia in nervous knots, completely invested in the outcome. It is easy to fall in love with OU football and the overwhelming school spirit that is so particular to OU. The chants and traditions at the football games, the atmosphere of game days, and that jubilant feeling that sweeps the town after a victory are all things I could not imagine college without. 

When people stare at me with gaping mouths, wondering what could have possibly drawn me away from the sunny beaches of California and into the heart of Oklahoma, I want them to be a little less surprised and take a moment to realize what a special place they live in. While there may not be beaches and perfect weather in Oklahoma, it possess things that are even more important which work together to provide the most outstanding college experience possible, and make it such a unique and wonderful school. After all, there’s only one Oklahoma.