When I say "When I say fly, you say eagles fly"! I'm sure most of you are thinking of Karen Whitney's strong powerful words that are said pretty much at every event, orientation, community service day morning, pep rallies, you name it. As obnoxious as it gets after a few times, it's still catchy. Clarion University has become a home for thousands over the years and has its perks and downsides to being a quaint, small town, cozy university.

Just take a moment to realize from the time little freshman you and your parents walked into the big multi purpose room for orientation with hundreds of other parents and their kids, you have become a part of something big. You have chosen Clarion University to be your home away from home, your safe haven, your start to a new chapter. There is a little bit of fear when you start your first year about so many unanswered questions but you quickly realize that you fit in just perfectly. It's a little shocking at first that when you say "I'm going home" it doesn't mean the same thing it did in high-school. Home changes from where your parents and siblings live to your small dorm, suite, or apartment that your spend time at with your friends watching Netflix.

You look back and realize that as you are a senior or a super senior finally wearing your cap and gown anticipating shaking the president's hand and getting that diploma. The funny thing is however many times that someone asks you where your alma mater is, you'll smile and say Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

1. The professors typically know you by name and offer plenty of office hours.

2. Clarion has dozens of ways for you to make connections from RSO's, greek life, and sports teams to small dorm hall councils trying to get people involved.

3. The small town feels like home on any given day.

There is no better feeling than walking up and down main street on a calm fall evening when the stores are closed and the townies are strolling about

4. The amount of diversity on campus.

For those who remember seeing monks in red cloaks walking around the same campus as we do is pretty neat. Or how Brazilians have found comfort among all of us, taking classes, eating at the cafeteria.

5. You can walk across campus and recognize at least 10 people on your way.

6. The amazing baristas at Starbucks always have a smile on their face and typically can remember people's usual drink.

7. The school spirit of blue and gold always shows at events.

8. The gorgeous, photogenic sunsets that are displayed every evening.

9. Everyone prepares in excitement for the one time a year the town is alive, and that is Autumn Leaf Festival!

10. Craft day for Autumn leaf festival is a great way to spend money and see familiar faces walking about.

11. The late night Walmart runs to a craving for Domino's makes for excellent and long lasting memories.

12. When you have a craving for McDonald's chicken nuggets and fries in the middle of the night on a weekend.

So whether you are a transfer to Clarion, someone who grew up and was raised in the small town, or an excited college kid looking to start a new life, Clarion is a perfect fit.