From the moment I moved into my dorm in Juniper-Poplar hall two Fridays ago, I've been overwhelmed with a sense of welcome, inclusion and comfort. It's typical that every pod says they have ultimately the "best pod," but I truly feel like my pod is a constant family room filled with people to snuggle up on the couch and watch "White Chicks" with too many times to count, or to break out into a 2 a.m. dance party decked out in our cheesiest pajamas. Apart from every eventful night in the "Pod Squad," USF has so much to offer me and I choose to participate in the most bizarre or lame events it has to offer like dodgeball and a "Zootopia" movie night. Nonetheless, USF has really grown on me within these past few weeks.
I feel at home and perfectly comfortable at USF especially because everyone is just genuinely friendly. Everyone wants to include and engage you in their activities with friends, and no one ever turns down an extra player for Jenga at all hours of the night. Often I find myself distant from others around me, not particularly belonging to a certain clique or group of friends, just kind of floating around. At USF, I never feel isolated or out of place; everyone is just as weird and quirky, if not more, than you and whether we study in the common area together like a big family or go down to the dining hall with a few people, you are never judged or left out for being who you are.
USF's campus is absolutely gorgeous during the daytime, and at night, stunning beyond belief. The area feels homey, not too metropolitan but not exactly rural either. Besides the vast greenery and entrancing vines that swoop from roof to roof, the inside of each building isn't too shabby either. Honestly, USF's campus is spectacular inside and out, just like the diverse, intelligent students and faculty.
USF just feels "right" because everyone is there for each other. I know that I can talk to my RA without feeling nervous or embarrassed and whether you're feeling down and need someone to cheer you up or you just need a study buddy for that exam tomorrow, someone will always come in clutch. Everyone acts like a family, too. Yes, there's always bickering and pranks between us, but no matter what, you'll always have someone there for you when you need a gym buddy for constant motivation or need someone to take care of you when you're "sick."
All in all, USF has more than just grown on me, it's become a part of me. USF is a safe place for me to learn, express my creativity and make connections with amazing people that will last years to come. Thank you, USF, for being the place I can call my home for four plus years.
