When I say that I go to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, peoples’ immediate reaction is, “Wow that is a big school!” What are you trying to say? What are you implying? You are right, it is a big school because it is THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA and it is a true university.

But I understand completely. I am from a small town. When I say small, I mean 200 people. So going from a small school where you have known your classmates since they were 6 to a prestigious university is a bit of a jump. But why are people afraid of the big jump?

“I am going to get lost.”

First off, there are maps and apps nowadays that tell you exactly where your building is and how you get there.

If you think you are going to get mentally and socially lost, I understand where you are coming from. I was there, I was afraid I wasn’t going to find my way. But I did. And finding my way was a challenge, but it was a challenge that I believe prepared me for life that I wasn’t going to get anywhere else. Just like you made friends in kindergarten, you can and will make friends at a big university, you just have to be open to it. This process pushes you, and it pushes you in the right direction to be successful in your career and life in general.

Universities are universities for a reason. They have the resources, the money, the connections that you will not get anywhere else. Think of all of the different majors and directions you can explore. You have the ability to try out some top of the line classes that will help determine what you want or don’t want to pursue. You have the recognition of a high quality institute on your resume. You have learned how to use parking meters and stoplights, things that you had to learn some time in your life.

Not only is the university or “big school” impressive itself, but the people that make it what it is today are extraordinary. You have people of such high caliber such as Warren Buffet, Evan Williams (previously CEO of Twitter), Willa Cather (author), and many more alumni that have set a standard for you to achieve.

The professors, the faculty and the students all (mostly all minus some bums here and there) are looking for a step stone to catapult them into their goals. Because it is a larger school, schools have the ability to have multiple organizations, clubs, and programs that you find yourself joining. These help you make connections and learn more about yourself and your capabilities.

Although I am only in my second year at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln I have seen so much growth within my academics, my communication skills, and my foundation for my future. Take it from me, a small town farm girl studying Advertising and Public Relations, along with textiles, merchandising and fashion design and political science. I can do anything that I feel will help me boost my marketability and social skills.

By looking at my majors and minor, you may think I am trying to be Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. Although that has crossed my mind, I just step back and ask myself, “Where else would I be able to study and learn about multiple things that interest me?” You meet people that will change your life, be your future bridesmaids, and be your ultimate role model. You also might have a Starbucks on campus if you are lucky.

Please don’t be afraid of a big school. If anything, the big school should be afraid of you. You are ready to tackle the world. I do not want to persuade you, and there are some that might do better at a smaller school. It is all up to you. But don’t keep it out of the question. Take the jump. Whether it is a small jump or a big jump, I can assure you that where you land will open doors up for your future.

*May I add that the University of Nebraska- Lincoln is the second smallest school in the BIG 10, bigger than only Northwestern. The school that I think is bigger is actually small. Mind-blowing.