Choosing a school for others may have been difficult, but for me it was a given.

When I went on my first visit to Northwest Missouri State University, I had a gut feeling that this was going to be my future home. Northwest isn't exactly popular back where I'm from. Most people will choose to go to Iowa State University, University of Iowa (GO HAWKS!), or The University of Northern Iowa. Because this school isn't well known, I had to explain to my family and friends why I loved Northwest so much.

Northwest has much to offer, but these are my top three reasons why I will forever love the home of the Bearcats.

1. Small Town, Big Atmosphere

NWMSU is located in a smaller town known as Maryville, MO. It is located in the northwestern corner of the state, and it has come of the craziest weather I have yet to experience. One minute, it could be 80 degrees and sunny, and you will be in a t-shirt and athletic shorts. Then within the next hour it could be 68 degrees and thunder storming, meaning you need to change into warmer clothes. Even though the weather is all over the place, that doesn't take away from the fact that I love living in Maryville. The people of Maryville are so kind. They greet you with a friendly face, and they are willing to help you if you ever get lost. Not only are the people great, but the food is even greater. There aren't very many "sit down" options, but popular places such as Pagliai's, Carson's, and A&G are to die for. I am beyond happy that my college experience is taking place in The Ville.

2. The Campus Itself, And The People Who Help You

The size of Northwest's campus is perfect. It is not too big, but it is not too small. Most buildings on campus are close together making your walks from class to class a lot smoother, and inside the buildings are easy to navigate.

Northwest is known for it's academic success rates, and I believe one reason that contributes to the successful rates is our smaller class sizes. Smaller class sizes makes college not seem as overwhelming. In the movies and at bigger universities, class sizes are huge. It makes me feel good knowing that the class sizes I have in college are around the same size as my high school classes. Because the class sizes are so small, it makes it easier for professors to get to know you.

Speaking of professors, Northwest's lineup of faculty is outstanding. They greet you at the door with either a "Good morning!" or "Good afternoon!" every time you enter their classroom. All professors provide office hours and if you can't make it to their specific times, they will go out of their way to ensure that you can meet with them so you will excel in their course. I have been blessed with professors that will help me take charge of my individual academic achievement, and it is good knowing that their main goal as professors is to help me become the best student I can be.

3. B-E-A-R-C-A-T-S!!!!

There is nothing better than a Northwest athletic event. Whether it's football, basketball, baseball, or any other sport, the events are totally worth going to. From children to alumni, the stadiums are packed. The fans are screaming, the band is louder than ever, and the players step out ready to play the game they love. My personal favorite sport to watch is football. Our football team is the reigning national champion and they give it their all every time they step out onto the field.

Another reason to go to an athletic event is for the food, and when I mean the food I mean A BEARCAT BURGER DOG! Wow, I love those. A burger dog is a cheeseburger shaped into a hot dog form! (Don't knock it down until you try it) Whenever I am at an event, I always get one. Whether you are going to watch the Bearcats play or just to eat the food, a Bearcat athletic event is worth it.

The atmosphere of the town, the campus and it's staff, and the athletic events are only my top three reasons why I love being a Bearcat. I have many other reasons such as the organizations you can be a part of, the diversity of the individuals enrolled, the fact that our textbooks and laptop are included in our tuition and it is still not crazy expensive, and I even love our squirrels. With all of these combined and many more, these are the reasons why I will forever bleed green and white.