Throughout high school, I was always very indecisive about what I wanted to do with my life, as we all are. First, I wanted to attend a college in the city I'm from, pursuing an early education degree. Then, I took a whole different turn and was on track to join the United States Marine Corps to become an aviation mechanic. Though plans changed, I knew I needed to do something. It was not until I visited and soon fell in love with Western Kentucky University's beautiful campus that I decided where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do when I got there. I wanted to be a Hilltopper.
I remember my first college visit to Western, fascinated and overwhelmed with the college scene. As much as I was scared seeing the campus and realizing I was soon starting my next huge step in life, I was ready. I absolutely fell in love with the campus and all it has to offer to its students. The diversity I saw in the short few hours I spent on campus made me feel comfortable and in a way, accepted in the small community for one of the few times in my life. It was not a feeling I thought I would get anywhere else besides here in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The energy throughout the faculty and student body on this campus is truly one of a kind. Greeted with huge smiles and positive attitudes, I knew this was where I wanted to be.
Fast forward to the weeks before move-in day, it was one of the most exciting and nervous days of my life. I was so ready to start this new life, yet so nervous to be away from home and family. Counting down the days until move-in-day was the best and worst part. But when it finally came around, I knew all the anticipation would be worth it. Meeting the girls in my dorm building was the highlight of moving in. These are the girls who will have your back for 2:00 a.m. food runs or when you need help studying until all hours of the night before a huge test the next morning. I know for sure these will be the girls who I will have lasting friendships with for years to come.
Aside from the variety of people you will meet here, the school spirit at Western is amazing. I mean, who doesn't love free tickets to every sporting event? Also, I couldn't tell you how many free one-of-a-kind red towels I have for numerous occasions. WKU's President, the big man Dr. Gary A. Ransdell himself says that the school's spirit is “an absolute passion, a rich adrenaline created by the WKU experience which drives those in the WKU family to cherish the experience during which memories of a lifetime are shaped and nurtured.” If you have not experienced this feeling, I can personally tell you that you are not getting as involved as you should be. It is beyond worth spending Saturdays tailgating and watching Hilltopper football all night.
As much as it is hard being away from home and adjusting to this new college life on my own, I would not trade it for the world. The memories I've made at WKU in the short two months I've been here are memories that I will forever remember. After changing my career path multiple times prior to high school graduation, I'm happy to say I found my home on the hill. I couldn't be happier with any other decision than when I made the choice to attend this amazing school.
Once a Hilltopper, always a Hilltopper. Roll Tops.
