I never wanted to live far away from home when I went to college. Although I still wanted the typical college experience, I thought that Fairleigh Dickinson University had all of the opportunities that I had been looking for, especially regarding my major. I didn't feel the need to want to get away, or feel ready enough to leave home.

Fairleigh Dickinson University has an education program, called the QUEST program, that is different from most schools. Students have the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor's degree from any major, including math, English, psychology, history, science, or Spanish, and the opportunity to also gain a Master's degree in elementary or secondary education. This program only takes five years, unlike most Master's degree programs. Students also have the chance to obtain a dual certification in special education, which involves an extra class each semester. I took this opportunity in order to enhance my qualifications when I become a teacher. Since the QUEST program is such a small program on campus, both the students and the professors really get a chance to know each other well and work together.

Although I am only a sophomore, I can truly say that I have made lifelong friends at FDU, both commuters and those who live on campus. This campus is an environment where people genuinely care for one another. There are countless opportunities to make friends before entering the school, such as at Admitted Students Day, orientation, and so on. Even the professors make FDU feel like home to their students. It is not like in the movies, where the professors just lecture every day. The professors at FDU take attendance and show that they actually care if students come to class and take an interest in their education.

FDU has a larger percentage of international students than most college campuses do, and I am happy to say that I have met some of them. After going to a high school that was less diverse, it is different in a positive way to attend a campus with people of so many different cultures and hearing different languages as I am walking from class to class. There are many opportunities to study abroad and to gain a more international perspective of learning. The most common countries where students study abroad are at the Vancouver campus in Canada, Wroxton College in England, China, and many more. This is a university where diversity is clearly emphasized.

I am proud to sincerely love where I go to school and to be able to take advantage of all of the opportunities that are offered to me. Whether it is a Broadway show, sports game, or a new club, I am proud of all that FDU has to offer. I am proud to call it my home away from home.