It did not start with a legacy, or a passion for football. It did not start with living in Hattiesburg or, basically, having ever interacted with the University of Southern Mississippi before in my life. My decision to attend Southern Miss began with Auburn University.

My two half-brothers, both whom I admire very much, both attended Auburn. One became an international businessman; the other became a successful architect. Everyone whom I ever met who was an Auburn alumni always raved about the school. Back in February of 2015, I toured the beautiful and historic campus. The following fall, I applied with fingers crossed, having considered only one other school (Savannah College of Art and Design).

In November, I received the Auburn acceptance letter as well as an email. Reading the email in class, I cried. I did it! Accepted to my first choice college with a scholarship. One of my close friends planned to attend as well, and we eagerly spoke of becoming roommates.

However, the scholarship was not enough.

I come from a divorced household, and primarily live with my mom, who is a teacher. College tuition is always hefty, no matter where you come from, but these circumstances did not really help the situation. After I came home from a late shift at work, my mom sat me down, and told me that we could not afford Auburn.

Needless to say, I cried.

I had been accepted to Savannah College of Art and Design with a sizable scholarship, but that university cost more than Auburn. I refused to attend the local Mobile college, the University of South Alabama.

However, before I was born, my mom had been working towards her doctorate at Southern Miss. With my options so considerably narrowed, she proposed that I tour the Southern Miss campus. “Just a campus tour,” she told me. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to go.”

With few other ideas, I agreed. And I could not have made a better decision.

I fell in love with the beautiful campus. The oak trees. The landmark fountain. The proud eagle statue. The lovely pathways. The campus was so green, and the trees reminded me of those back home. Although -- the weather wasn’t, and still isn’t, much better than that in Mobile.

My guide did not neglect to mention Southern Miss’s academic accomplishments, as well. More than 180 programs. Nationally recognized in polymer science, business, and the arts. As someone who planned to major in graphic design, the fact that the school is accredited in all four major art programs resonated with me.

Most important to me, however, was the sense of unity. I toured while school was still in session, and immediately became aware of the friendly yet diverse atmosphere. The various students I encountered appeared genuinely happy to be there (or they were really excellent liars). My guide also explained fun campus traditions to me, which included standing in a freezing fountain in the middle of November. Furthermore, she emphasized the prominent Greek life and strong community service aspects of the university.

By the end of the day, I was convinced. A picturesque campus, strong academics, and a united student body? Not home, but still not too far away? And most of all: affordable? I went home and immediately applied.

Now, some months later, I am proud to call myself a Golden Eagle, and I keep discovering more reasons to love Southern Miss. SMTTT!