Snapchat has a feature where it shares with you snaps you saved from a year or two ago. Sometimes these snaps suck because they remind you of people you lost. Sometimes they are funny and remind you of a good time. Sometimes they are nostalgic.
I clicked on my notification and Snapchat showed me what was happening a year ago today. On April 8, 2018, I committed to attending the University of Oklahoma. I remember being so excited to press that 'submit' button on all my forms and to make the whole thing official. I couldn't wait to tell my family and friends and show up in my OU t-shirt to school the next day.
Everyone remembers how stressful applying for college was. Applying was one animal to tackle, but picking a school that was perfect for you and financially realistic was another. Some people have it easy. Some people know exactly where they are going from the time they are little kids. Some people have so many options that picking is so hard. And some people have a few options and they are praying for the one they want. I was in that last group.
From a young age, I thought the University of New Mexico was my dream school. Growing up in Albuquerque, I was surrounded by Lobo fans and quickly embraced it. I loved the campus, I loved the environment behind the basketball program. I loved the fact that my family went there and I loved the idea of being in my hometown. Then I entered high school.
My freshman year of high school I really started to think about what I wanted to be when I was older. I loved sports, so I decided I was going to be a journalist that covered basketball teams. I remember telling my uncle my plan and him and my dad told me that UNM didn't have a great journalism school. This crushed me. I couldn't go to a school that wouldn't give me the best-of-the-best. I didn't know what to do and I wasn't happy about it.
As I got older, all I wanted was to get out of New Mexico. My mindset did a complete 180 and by the time I was a senior, the thought of going to UNM terrified me. Don't get me wrong, it is a great school and so many people thrive there, but I needed to experience something that was outside of "the land of enchantment".
I applied anywhere and everywhere because I needed out. As acceptance letters and decline letters came in, I knew OU was my best ticket out. Spring break of my senior year rolled around and my family and I road tripped it to Norman, Oklahoma for a campus tour. The moment we pulled up to Campus Corner, I was in love. I had to come here. The school was beautiful, the culture was incredible, the people were so friendly and I genuinely felt safe. I did another college tour after OU and to say I was shut off from it was an understatement. My mind went from being UNM only to OU only.
After working things out logistically, I made the best decision of my life thus far... I committed to OU. I am almost done with my freshman year of college and have no regrets. I've been given incredible opportunities, met outstanding friends and have made lifelong memories.
So child Noa, everything worked out. College you is happy and thriving.
Here's to 3 more years and Boomer Sooner!
