Almost one year ago, I got home from school early because clubs were cancelled for the day. Instead of changing out of my uniform, I headed towards the kitchen for supper. “Did I get any mail?” I asked my mom as I sat down to eat. She rolled her eyes at me because I'd been asking that question since I'd turned in my college applications. Everyday I hoped to hear news. “Yeah it’s in my room,” she said. Rather than eating, I ran to retrieve my mail and saw a Lehigh envelope that had “Class of 2019” on the outside.

Thinking back to the day when I received my acceptance letter, I can’t help but smile. I remember that after reading it I didn't return to the kitchen. I couldn’t even think about eating after such a great thing had happened. However, being the awesome student that I am (*cough*) I had received other college acceptances and needed to make a choice. Lehigh University won, because of these 10 reasons.

1. The campus.

With my letter of acceptance came an invitation for Diversity Weekend at Lehigh. A weekend designed for diverse students to visit Lehigh and learn more about its campus life. This was a program that truly drew me in to Lehigh. Travel expenses were even covered, so of course I went. When I arrived on campus, I was in awe. The buildings are so beautiful and there are so many trees and hills (unfortunately). Everything just looks so much like Hogwarts! Those hills though. Gosh, it's like leg day every day!

2. The size of the student body.

There are around 7,500 students in total, including both undergraduate (~5,000) and graduate (~2,500) students. I see new faces every day, but I also see familiar ones very easily.

3. I really wanted to go out of state.

I’m from Oregon and all of the colleges I applied to were on the East Coast, except for one. When I was a sophomore in high school I went to New York for a summer program and saw how great this side of the country is. From that point on I knew where I needed to be.

4. The U.N. partnership.

Lehigh is one of the few schools recognized as an NGO, in addition to our already positive relations with the U.N. Just last month, Lehigh was the third university in the country to let students witness virtual reality videos from the U.N. Every month there are trips to the U.N. headquarters, where Lehigh students can sign up and go witness briefings and conferences. Global involvement is highly encouraged here.

5. The opportunities.

There are hundreds of clubs and organizations to join here. The only thing you’ll want is more time to do everything. Starting a club is incredibly easy here as well!

6. The weather.

Portland, Ore. is really rainy, all of the time. Like, all of the time. I'm actually very fond of the rain and colder weather, so Lehigh is perfect for me. I do have one complaint though, and it’s that lately the weather has been erratic. One day it’s sunny and the next it snows. I can’t plan my outfits in advance with these conditions!

7. The Mountaintop Experience.

The Mountaintop Experience encompasses a series of Lehigh-funded endeavors, ranging from international internships to entrepreneurship and research grants. The opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students are amazing. Freshmen are especially encouraged to get involved, something unique to Lehigh.

8. Financial aid.

There is nothing else to say about this.

9. An independent international relations department.

This means that you have more freedom with your major and college within the university. I'm doing a joint major of International Relations and Chinese, and I love it so much.

10. Feeling of community.

In my opinion everyone is very supportive here. From the professors to the students, everyone is helpful. You'll always see a smiling face on your walk through campus!