Ever since my sophomore year, when I was asked what I wanted in a college, school spirit was always on the list. I was never really sure if a small school or a big school would be better for me, but I knew going to a school where the students loved their school was what I wanted. After choosing my school, I eagerly bought sweatshirts, hats, and shirts to represent my school. Any time I wore my school logo, someone was bound to scream out “Go Cats!” or “Beardown!,” making me feel instantly connected. Whether you are "fighting on," "forking em," or "bearing down," hearing these words gives you chills.

I could tell I was in Wildcat Country, even miles away from the school. Spirit of the school was plastered on billboards on the freeway. Once I finally arrived at campus, every corner had something to represent the school. And when going to the store to pick up supplies and groceries, I was overwhelmed with the amount of school merchandise you could buy. From T-shirts and socks to hair spray and paint, the stores carried it all. Anything you could need to show your spirit, they had it.

My friends and I lived for football game days. The anticipation of waiting in line for our tickets brought up the excitement we felt until we were actually in our seats. Goosebumps covered my arms and legs when I heard the announcer getting ready to send out our team. Surrounded by fellow students, I could feel the love and support of the school. It made me believe the other team didn’t have a chance. It was as if no other school could match your students and alumni’s love for the school. Sports were just one way the students could find to express their spirit.

Just walking around campus on a random day you could hear the band from the stadium practicing our chants. These chants were all-out banging on drums and blowing horns, every member played as if they were at the moment on an actual game day.

I chose a school with school spirit because I wanted to feel like I was a part of something. Even after I graduate, I want to still cheer and have the passion for the school as I did as a student. School spirit isn’t just about having a football team or lots of signs, it's about the student body coming together for something, no matter what. Most schools do have this, but some schools lack the togetherness. Not feeling a part of something makes you unappreciative of what the school can offer.

Being from out of state, I love going home and wearing my school's letters, knowing that other wildcats are around cheering me on or asking about my experience. Going to a school without all of this almost seems impossible. Choosing a school that had so much spirit was one of the best decisions I made when finding my home.