Here at Lander University, we are a pretty tight group of students. Our campus population is about 4,000, give or take, and includes many different personalities. Being from Charleston, I feel as if Lander is in the middle of nowhere, out in the sticks. There's not much to do in Greenwood unless you like to eat (which is why the freshman 15 increases to the freshman 30), bowl, or get milk from the milk farm down the road. Even though Lander is a small school, it really makes me feel at home.

Just for some background info, I was dead set on going to Clemson University my senior year in high school. I had been accepted and was extremely close to sending off my deposit until we received a brochure in the mail from Lander University. I had never heard of such a town as "Greenwood" and did not even know where it was. After a lot of persuasion on my dad's end, I agreed to come tour Lander. I dreaded the whole three and a half hour car ride on the way up, only to find out that I absolutely love this place. I went on my tour and felt like this is the place where God wanted me to be as well as feeling like this was my second home. To students considering Lander University, I encourage you to check out the reasons listed below as to why Lander captured my heart.

1. Lander is a small campus.

Meaning, that you are going to see your friends every day! Granted, there are some friends that I do not see on the daily, but I see about a third of my friends on a daily basis. This means so much to me because I am a very outgoing person who loves to talk. Seeing my friends just for that second in the hallway puts a smile on my face and gives me the extra motivation every college student needs in their next class. This also means that you don't have to arrive thirty minutes before your class starts to get across campus.

2. Small class sizes!

Who doesn't love small class sizes? This provides a great opportunity for you to learn better and for your teachers to teach better! As a sophomore, I have already completed my general education requirements, which are the biggest class sizes you should have as a college student. The largest class size I have had was a stadium seated classroom containing about 40 students. Your teachers get to know you which leads to more internship/job opportunities later on down the road. I love being able to stop by my teachers office and have them know what class I have them for.

3. Local cities.

Now, don't get me wrong, Greenwood does have some hidden treasures to find, but as for party life and great shopping, check out Greenville and Augusta! I have gone on many trips to Greenville and Augusta to get my Target fix (girls, you know what I mean) and for some fun! These are about an hour away and provide a pretty, scenic route on the way there.

4. "Get-away" opportunities.

That's a weird title for that bullet, but what I mean is that Lander University is a great foundation and an anchor. Taking classes at Lander will prepare you for your future career as well as short term opportunities. We have an amazing study abroad program as well as short term trips that provide you with credits and experiences. Only being in my second year, I have been to New York City, Canada, and Colorado.

All in all, Lander University has helped me discover passions and dreams I didn't know before. I wouldn't trade my college experience for anything and I absolutely feel at home here. So if you feel like Lander may be the place for you, just come take a tour (and please ignore our construction going on right now), and see what you think! I never would have picked Lander if I never physically came here. Give it a shot!