Throughout my senior year of high school I tried to figure out if going away for college was for me. It didn’t take me very long to realize that I wouldn’t make it a day away from my family, my dogs, and my bed. Although sometimes it’s hard seeing my friends happy in their dorm room with all of their new friends and the crazy amount of freedom, I’m happy with where I am. Here’s why:

1. It’s small

St. Joseph’s is actually smaller than my high school. It’s nice because it’s not too overwhelming with all of these new faces. The class sizes are just like high school which is sometimes annoying because I actually have participation grades, but it’s cool to have a real relationship with my professors.

2. There are familiar faces

I think there’s around 25 people from my graduating class who also go to St. Joe’s. I know that may not sound ideal, but trust me, for the first few weeks when I didn't know anybody, it was really comforting to see someone i’ve known for years.

3. It’s close to home

From Oakdale, my commute is roughly 10 minutes. It’s so nice that I don’t have to wake up extremely early for my 7:30 classes. Also, I drive east on Sunrise highway which is opposite of rush hour traffic. :)

4. I’m not broke!!

Staying home for college means I can have a job! Even though I’d rather not work, it’s nice depositing my paychecks every week! My friends who went away definitely can’t relate

5. I have a puppy

At home I have a five month old chocolate lab puppy and I cant imagine being away from him as he’s growing. When we got him over the summer at 8 weeks old, I was so thankful I would be the one to teach him how to sit. And if I went away I wouldn’t have a chance at being his favorite!