Whether you decided to come to Mason as a local, in-state, or out-of-state student, there was something pulling you to become a part of something bigger than the university itself - there's a presence on campus. From walking into the culturally diverse Johnson Center, to celebrating the highly anticipated Homecoming basketball game, you might not always know why, but you love sporting green and gold on any occasion. Let me remind you of those reasons you might forget sometimes:

1. We're the biggest public university in Virginia.

You read that right. Although more than 50% of Mason chooses to commute, you never run out of people to meet. Every day brings new faces, and every new class brings new friendships. Although there are thousands of people, you also feel like you're a part of a tight-knit community that encourages, innovates, and grows by the second.

2. Commuting is highly accepted.

Choosing to live off-campus is never frowned upon. There are countless resources to get involved on or off campus. Most of the time, living off campus is cheaper, anyways. No one loves saving money more than college students.

3. Diversity is what we're known for.

What a beautiful thing it is to have a place where hundreds of cultures, languages, and nationalities are represented with positivity. It's not uncommon to see all different origins and people together bonding over the blessing of higher education. Even the food on campus is diverse! From Indaroma (try their chickpea salad), Jorge's, Panera, and all the different stations in Southside or Ike's, your taste buds are sure to experience diversity as well.

4. Getting involved has never been easier.

With over 300 student organizations, involvement has been placed in the palms of you hands. From Greek Life to Quidditch club, you're able to be a part of a group of students with the same interests. Even if there isn't a club for your interest, heck, you can start one!

5. We're 6 metro stops away from D.C.

Not only does this mean that you never run out of things to do, but there are so many career opportunities available for you to pursue! Whether you make an escape off campus to Jiffy Lube Live to see a concert, explore the National Monuments lit up at night, or (if you're of age, of course) try a local bar, it's up to you whether you grasp these opportunities - but what more could you ask for?

6. "Innovation is Tradition".

Although it has become an ongoing joke that "Innovation is just a building," Mason prides itself on constantly becoming more equipped to educate those who can innovate and mold the future, not only for the university, but for the community. If you actually think about it that's freaking awesome.

7. We have D1 athletics.

Even though this is something that is sometimes forgotten, every sport at Mason is a part of the A10 conference that competes with other D1 schools across the East Coast. From basketball to women's lacrosse, there's always a game to catch - and some of our teams are actually quite good. Whether it's a winning season for a team or not, Mason spirit is always encouraged at every game! Throw on some green and gold, paint your face, and cheer on your Patriots! (Shout out to all the athletes who give there time everyday to represent Mason on the highest competitive level)

8. Our campus is beautiful.

There is nothing better than being on campus when the sun is out and the wind is blowing - it's then that you remember how pretty the place we educate ourselves at truly is. Even if you're stuck in the JC, studying, you desperately attempt to get a window seat to catch a glimpse outside. Our architecture is that of brick and modernized windows and steel, but it comes together so nicely to make a place that feels traditional, yet adapted to current times. For those new to campus, just you wait until you see the Cherry Blossom's - wow

9. You can be whomever you want to be.

Whether you're an International Politics major or a Graphic Design major, everyone is so open and supportive of whatever your desires and career dreams are. It goes even further than that - you can wear Nikes and an over-sized tee one day and a dress the next; no one cares. It's such a cool experience, being around those who are open to whomever and whatever you want to be day-to-day.

10. You've met your best friends here.

You may have met them in class, in your hall, in your Greek chapter, or playing sports. But however you met them, these people mean the world to you. They may have lived in faraway places, but Mason has brought you together and they are the people you look forward to coming back to see every year. Years from now, you'll thank GMU for bringing them t you and wonder how you lived without them for years before

11. Patriot Pride never leaves you.

4 years go by after countless hours studying, hundreds of memories made, and countless numbers of smiles and laughs are had. Although you earned your degree, the relationships and memories you made will never be forgotten and you will never be prouder to sport our Mason star and, especially, the Green and Gold. And, of course, you'll always attempt to make it back for Homecoming.

I hope this always reminds you of why you chose George Mason or encourages you to choose Mason in the future. We are so lucky to educate ourselves at such a fine and growing institution. May you always "Hail to George Mason" and "Dawn your Green and Gold."