One of the best decisions I have ever made in my young adult life would have to be attending Saginaw Valley State University.

I'll admit, I was nervous to move away from home and live in the dorms five hours away from my family, but it was the right decision looking back. SVSU has afforded me so many different and unique opportunities. From the class size and professors, to the dorms and being the most affordable university in Michigan, there is so much to be thankful for at our university.

Here are 10 reasons to be thankful for SVSU:

1. The Class Sizes Are Small, Even For A Medium Sized University.

With an enrollment of almost 10,000 students, SVSU's class sizes seem like those you would find at a small liberal arts college. Your average class size is capped off at forty students, and general education lectures typically cap off at around 60-70 students. Once you star your classes for your particular major, it isn't uncommon to have classes with less than 20 students. With SVSU keeping class sizes small and offering more sections of courses, students are able to get that one-on-one experience with their professor. I feel that I know all my professors and that I am not just some face in the crowd.

2. The Professors Here Are Unparalleled.

Many students will opt to attend a Division One university, such as Ohio State or Michigan State, simply for the name. I get it-- having a degree with that university's name on it is quite an accomplishment, but being at such a large institution for my undergraduate would almost do a disservice to me. SVSU's professors are unparalleled and are equally as qualified, if not more, than professors at Division One universities. Our professors continue to learn more and more about their areas of expertise, conduct research, and go to conferences, so they can better serve their students. Our professors are devoted and want to ensure that they are accessible and that they know each student individually. Plus, they are highly certified; every full-time professor has a doctorate degree in their field of study, and our adjunct faculty members have a Master's degree and above. You truly are getting a phenomenal education that a Division One school would afford you, while also getting a small school feel.

3. Our Dorms Are The Best In Michigan.

And no, I'm not making this up. A survey was conducted on all public universities in Michigan, and out of them all, SVSU had the best. Our dorms are clean and safe. Whether you live in the First Year Suites or one of the Living Centers your first year, you are almost guaranteed a great experience in the dorms. Every dorm comes with a living space and kitchenette, which is a feature that other schools aren't afforded. Plus, the dorms are quite spacious compared to other universities. SVSU does a great job in matching students with their next potential roommate, and the resident assistants here are phenomenal. They aren't here to nag you, but rather, they're here to make sure you have an enjoyable experience in SVSU's dorms while also staying safe and clean.

4. Students Can Get Involved With Many Different Organizations.

Saginaw Valley has so many registered student organizations (RSO's) to get involved with. From club sports to Greek life, major focused clubs, faith based groups, volunteer organizations and more, you really can't not get involved. Some organizations to highlight would include Phi Sigma Sigma and Tau Kappa Epsilon (Greek Life), Standing in the Gap and His House (Faith Based), Forever Red and Peer Health Education (Student Life based).

There are so many more reasons to be thankful for SVSU, but these were the four that jumped out at me. If you're a high school senior, hopefully this will help you make your decision so that you can enjoy your next four years. It's always a great day to be a Cardinal!

5. It's Affordable.

Out of all the public universities in the state of Michigan, SVSU has repeatedly been voted the most affordable out of the thirteen state universities. On top of that, SVSU is phenomenal with giving out scholarships. SVSU realizes that attending college is expensive, and they want to make sure that every student who wants to attend college has the opportunity to attend college.

6. You'll Run Into Familiar Faces Everywhere.

Even though our current enrollment is almost 10,000 students, you would never get that. Campus building are relatively close to one another, so you aren't walking 45 minutes from one building to the other. With that being said, you are bound to run into at least five people you know a day. When I arrived on campus, I was afraid I would not recognize anyone when I would be walking to class, but I was so wrong. I run into friends so often on campus, even some friends I have not seen in forever. Even when you're having a bad day, you're bound to run into some friends who'll make your day better.

7. You'll Never Run Out Of Options Food-Wise.

The Marketplace at Doan, commonly known as the FOC (Food on Campus), is our cafeteria on campus. The FOC is buffet style, so you can eat as much as you would like. Plus, they're selections are always rotating, so you'll never feel like you're eating the same thing twice. Sick of the Marketplace food? SVSU has so many other places to eat! You can elect to purchase Declining Balance dollars which can be used at other food stops on campus. From the C-Store or PODS, which is our version of a 7-Eleven, to Subway, Papa John's, Freshens (Smoothies), Greens To Go (build your own salads), Grill Works (Hamburgers and other Grill Specialties), to our newest debut of Panda Express (coming fall of 2017), you have an abundance of different meals to have.

8. We Give Back.

SVSU is one of the most charitable and philanthropic universities in the state of Michigan. Every fall, we sponsor Battle of the Valleys, which is a friendly philanthropic competition between Grand Valley and Saginaw Valley. Besides all of the fun events that Student Association sponsors on campus during that week, we also compete against GVSU to see who can raise the most money for our specific charity. For the past ten years, we have continuously won, raising over $20,000 in a week to go to the food pantries of Saginaw. Additionally, RSOs will sponsor local events at places such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Panda Express to raise money for their organizations or student scholarships. Student Association also hosts Street Fest every April, which is a festival filled with inflatable obstacle courses, food trucks, and so much more. All of the donations received go to fund student scholarships.

9. SVSU Is Here For You.

SVSU has so many different resources to promote student health, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. SVSU has a counseling center, along with Peer Health Education, and the LGBTQ+ resource center to make sure you are adjusting well into campus. SVSU wants to make sure you have every resource possible to make sure you thrive academically and personally during your time on campus. We also have a Writing Center and Tutoring Center, which is a great resource if you feel that your paper needs revision or if you aren't understanding your statistics class.

10. There's Plenty of Fun Activities Around The Tri-Cities, So You'll Never Be Bored.

One aspect that really swayed me into going to SVSU was that there was so much to do around SVSU. Saginaw is a recently rejuvenated and vibrant city. From bars to local cuisines, to fun activities like Sky Zone, there is literally so much to do just within Saginaw. Bay City and Midland also has great access to trails and beaches, so if you're into hiking and nature, then that is perfect for you!

There are so many more reasons to be thankful for SVSU, but these were the four that jumped out at me. If you're a high school senior, hopefully this will help you make your decision so that you can enjoy your next four years. It's always a great day to be a Cardinal!