Every town is different, and every town is unique to its people for certain reasons. Here are ten things every big ten college townie knows too well because there's just something special about growing up in a big 10 college town that makes getting to adulthood a little more fun.
1. Everyone in your family is a die-hard fan.
Therefore, you grew up a die-hard fan, even knowing the fight song by heart at a super young age.
I cannot even express to you how much Purdue gear I had growing up, especially cheerleading uniforms and pom-poms, that I wore to every home football and basketball game of course.
2. As a kid, you participated in tons of activities on campus.
At Purdue, there’s the Boilermaker Kids Club, Boiler Kids Camp, The Mini Goldduster Team, Matt Painter’s Basketball Camp, Sharon Versyp’s Basketball Camp, Black and Gold Swim Camp, Dave Shondell’s Volleyball Camp, and tons more.
But it doesn't just stop there. You performed at Ross-Ade with your high school marching band every year on band day.
And even your annual Science Fair that was hosted on campus. Basically, I knew my way around the Stewart Center long before I was even thinking about going to college.
3. You know more trivia about your university than you care to admit.
Let’s just say I didn't really learn anything new during the tour part of Boiler Gold Rush.
4. You wore collegiate gear all. the. time. growing up.
And let's be honest, you still do, except now you have way more alumni merch.
5. Your parent(s) and/or your friends' parents are employed by the university.
Can anyone say half-priced tuition?! Ayo.
6. You attend events on campus as a tradition each year with your family.
Top of the list is the Purdue Christmas Show each holiday season, eating chocolate covered ants at the Bug Bowl, and seeing concerts in Elliott Hall of Music and shows in Loeb Playhouse.
7. Its almost required you attend your hometown university.
And if you're even considering the rival school (of which I won't name) you might be disowned.
8. Your high school is able to offer tons of college credit courses.
This made it possible for you start your college career ahead of the game with more credits than some of your fellow freshmen.
9. It feels like you see kids you went to high school with on-campus everywhere.
And if you're lucky, like me, you and your best friend from high school both decide to attend your hometown university.
10. It’s exceptionally hard to leave.
Not only is it the home of your alma mater, but its also your hometown. It's the place where your family lives, where you grew up, and the place that will forever have your heart.
