I was told in high school my ACT score would shape my future and that was a partial truth. I believe the most important decision I have ever made was my choice in college and the 4 years I would spend at that institution. My decision to go to Illinois State University has been one of the best that I have made to date. The countless connections and opportunities I have been presented assure me that I chose the right place to spend the most important 4 years of my life. My choice to go to ISU was based on family, fit, and feel.

Family has always been a cornerstone in my choices big or small and the first seed was planted when my sister decided she wanted to attend ISU. Her being two years older allowed me to visit and get familiar with the campus before I even knew where I wanted to go. Every experience I had when I visited felt genuine and homey. I felt invited into the college culture even though I was still gaining a hold of who I was and what I wanted to do. Having a family member on campus was the greatest promotion ISU had to recruit me. Through shared experiences and stories, I would hear about what ISU had to offer I was in turn riding the bandwagon.

However, family alone could not cement my decision to commit to ISU, my major being finance I had my eyes set on another college in town that had a wide business offering. Along with prospects of a business degree, I had a chance to continue playing sports which were a smaller possibility at ISU. In the end, I decided to go to ISU because of the State Farm Hall of Business and endless possibilities I had through a larger school. I knew I would enjoy the chance to play sports but then again, I wanted a school where I could grow as a person without the restrictions of remaining in my hometown and on a lower scale. ISU was the right size for me to grow and pursue my dreams.

The last aspect that shaped my choice was the feel of Illinois State University. ISU boasts being a big school with a small feel, which means there are a lot of people but you will still get to know a respectable amount if you go out and meet them. Over the past 3 years, I have been blessed to meet new people and be a part of many organizations that fit my needs and interests. ISU has felt like a home away from home because the people I have met feel like family. Professors get to know you even in your largest lecture halls and continue to converse with you throughout your college career if you choose to do so. The abundance of opportunities at ISU attracted me and bolstered my decision.

So that is why I chose Illinois State University. ISU has presented me with many chances to expand my network and mind and for that, I believe my choice was correct. I am a proud Redbird and would not change that for anything else in the world.