I can’t go 24 hours on twitter without seeing a PWI (Predominantly White Institution) vs. HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) debate.

Just as some people prefer orange juice over apple, I prefer a PWI to a HBCU. Orange juice lovers don’t think they’re better than apple juice lovers by any means. Why can't we all just be happy that we're drinking juice?

My point is I am an African American female who loves my PWI and it is because of the school I attend, nothing more nothing less. I attend James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia and there is just something magical about that place. It’s not that I have anything against HBCUs; it’s just that I have never felt at home at any HBCU or any other institution for that matter.

I have never thought of myself as better than anyone because I chose to attend a PWI. I fell in love with James Madison University from the first time I visited the school. I did not choose the school base on demographics but based on academics, the opportunities and the people (not their skin color but rather their hearts).

That being said I also do not feel that I am any less “black” because I chose to attend a school where the student body is about 80% white. As cliché as it sounds, color really does not matter to me, and if it does to you; that’s not my problem. So here, 4 reasons I love my PWI:

1. It Feels Like Home. The friends I have at JMU are like family. JMU isn’t my second home, it is my home.

(Photo: @danielle lewandowski)

2. I feel Safe. Now I am thatgirl who owns a matching taser and pepper spray but I can honestly say I feel safe when I am at JMU. I trust my classmates. We are that school where if you’re at the library you can ask your neighbor to watch your laptop and stuff while you go grab Starbucks or dinner.

3. Harrisonburg is Beautiful. Well I definitely didn’t choose my school for the shopping but the scenery is amazing. There is nothing quite like a JMU sunset.

(Photo: JMUlove)

4. The People Are Amazing. The people of JMU are truly caring. You may have heard it before but we hold doors. No, not just like everyday people but you could be about 50 feet away in that awkward distance and we will still hold the door. Besides, holding doors it’s the little things my fellow classmates do. I have lost my JACard, which is our student ID, a legitimate 5 times last semester. Every single time a fellow duke has e-mailed me to meet me and return it or even mail it to me when I lost it at the end of the semester and was home for the summer.

I love James Madison University. You should be proud of the school you attend but we shouldn't shame people because they don't have the same taste in colleges as you do.