Why did I choose Penn State? Frankly, I've been asking myself this question for nearly three semesters, but I can say I've been grateful.

When I was in eighth grade, for some reason, I set my eyes on going to Penn State. Instead of applying for high schools, I was already searching for colleges I wanted to attend. I used to watch virtual Penn State tours on YouTube, but I avoided looking at the tuition costs.

One day, I told my mom, "I want to go to Penn State," and she was like...

Granted, this was during the time Penn State was the center of controversy in the media. Scandals galore.

She also doubted that I'd go to college because she never did, and she knew we couldn't afford it. I'd say I worked my ass off to enroll at Penn State, from multiple extracurriculars to networking. Four years later, I would be the first person in my family to attend. But, why did I chose Penn State?

I chose Penn State because of its location.

A lot of my friends back in Philadelphia would probably say that I changed, or I'm 'bougie' ever since I've been at Penn State, but Happy Valley feels like a better home to me. It's a place where I can actually be myself, and despite how much I'd miss Philly cheesesteaks, the environment is all I've ever wanted.

I chose Penn State because of the variety of opportunities.

Considering the fact that I want to be a journalist or a blogger, I felt Penn State had a lot of support and opportunities in the College of Communications. Taking journalism courses wasn't as easy as I thought, but I've learned a lot about reporting, writing and other elements of journalism.

I chose Penn State because of school pride.

I've never been to a school that shows school spirit like Penn State. I'll admit, I've only been to one football game in my two years here, but the fact that we all come together and represent our university is a big deal and I love that energy—even if it goes overboard.

I could even say that Penn State has changed me.

In high school, I used to be the quiet, introverted overachiever, but here, I feel like myself. I feel like I could do anything at Penn State, as long as my responsibilities come first.

Penn State has its disadvantages just like any college. It's normal for a college student to face emotional, physical, and mental changes while spending nine months in college.

For example, I went beyond The Freshman 15. Shit.

Don't slip on your first year.Once you slip, it'll be hard to get back up.

Use your resources. There are so many resources that are here for you, so take advantage of them.

Be alert. Learn how to focus on your surroundings and where yuu are within them.

Beyourself. No matter who you are, there is somewhere here for you to fit in.

That's what Penn State has taught me, and I'm super grateful that this is the college I chose.