When I was looking into colleges, the choices that were laid out in front of me seemed endless. There were so many differences between the places I was considering, from the size of the campus to the programs that were offered. It was an overwhelming time and I thought I would never make up my mind. However, after numerous college visits and a lot of contemplation, I made the decision to go to Kent State University.

Moving into college was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. So many new things were happening all at once and it was hard to wrap my head around everything. The longer I was here, the more I started to have mixed feelings about Kent in general. I went home a lot and never wanted to do much. I was seriously homesick and wanted to transfer. Halfway through my freshman year, I thought I wanted to go to Cleveland State University and live downtown. I had everything planned out, knew what I was going to study, and had my transcripts sent over.

Everything seemed to be working out and I thought I knew what I was doing. However, one night, I went out with my friends and, for no particular reason, this night was one for the books. We all had so much fun just being together, listening to loud music at frat houses, singing at the top of our lungs, and just being girls. This night made me reconsider what I wanted from my college experience, and I was having second thoughts about transferring. A few weeks passed, and I was still having these feelings. I will never forget the night I was sitting with my friends and told them that I was staying. Honestly, they didn’t believe me at first, and it took some convincing, but I was serious. I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to move home. I wanted to have more memories like that one night. I wanted to experience college to the fullest, and that’s exactly what I did.

Making the decision to stay in Kent was easily the best decision I have ever made in my 20 years of life so far. Staying here has led me to making the best friends, being in an amazing academic program, getting involved in Greek Life, meeting so many incredible people, and making memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Kent is not just a city and Kent State University is not just a college. It is a community of people who have helped to shape me into who I am today. The opportunities that I have been given are unlike anything I could have ever imagined. Because I stayed here, I know that by the time I graduate I will be prepared for the real world. KSU has pushed me beyond my comfort zone in the best ways possible. I would never trade any aspect of my college career and am so thankful for everything that Kent State University has given to me over the past three years. Go Flashes!