Choosing colleges can be very difficult. Almost every prospective student has an idea of what experience they want in their minds when applying for schools. Some seek large campuses, possibly for the name that they would represent, the party culture that goes along with it, or the increased chance that they find friends among the student body. Others, like myself, looked for small schools, where the education would be more personal, and getting lost in a crown was less likely to happen. I chose to attend Thiel College, a school of only around 1000 students. I have found that for me, going to a small school has made my experience a more memorable one.

First, with my major being mortuary science, I did not have many options to choose from. As I looked at schools across the nation that offered it, I quickly shot down the large campuses, as well as campuses more than 5 hours away from me. Once I narrowed it down to four colleges, I needed to see them to make my decision. The first was a mid-size school in Erie, Pennsylvania. Being from Erie, I was already fairly familiar with Gannon University. I was not a fan of the scattered buildings or the urban campus. My second visit was to Thiel college, and I immediately fell in love with the campus. It was compact, but had open quads and tons of green space. The students I met on my visit were incredibly friendly, and the closeness of the student body was incredibly appealing. After applying and being accepted, I could barely contain my excitement. Coming from a small high school, I was excited to maintain the close-knit feeling I was used to as I transitioned into the next chapter of my life.

Now, as a junior, I have no regrets about coming here. I have many friends, all with diverse backgrounds and interests. I have joined several on-campus clubs and organizations, including a sorority filled with wonderful women who share many of the ideals and ambitions that I do. I have been able to pursue all my academic interests by taking liberal arts courses that do not pertain strictly to my major. I know all of my professors, and all of them know me by name, not number. Having the ability to study what I want, join diverse clubs, and make lifelong friends has made this campus feel less like a school and more like my home. Choosing to attend a small college has made a big difference in my life.