I have been asked one question what seems like a gazillion times: "Why did you choose Nebraska?" Those who know me know that I am originally from small town Stanfield, North Carolina. To ease everyone's curiosity, I chose Nebraska because it felt like home when I got here. Plus, what better place to go than the Heartland of the United States when you're an Animal Science major? The first time I visited Nebraska, I competed in the Ak-Sar-Ben with the West Stanly High School Livestock Quizbowl team (we didn't do too hot the first time 'round). I fell in love with Omaha and I wanted to see more. I looked into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln because Omaha was only an hour away. The more I looked into the university, the more intrigued and excited I became.
It was like I could not stop imagining what it would be like to go to such an amazing place. I spoke to my parents about it and they were super shocked as well that I chose such a bizarre place, like everyone else. Somehow, my parents made it happen and all of a sudden we were on our way to Lincoln, Nebraska and I could not believe that my dream was actually coming true. As my parents and I were being led by the tour guide, I imagined myself living in Lincoln and how happy I would be here. I was one hundred percent confident in my decision and I knew for sure that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was the right place for me. I finally felt like I fit in somewhere.
My parents and I got back home to North Carolina and I told them exactly how I felt about the university. They were completely understanding and believed that I could do whatever I set my mind to. Over the summer, I waited tables to save up some money so I wouldn't be broke as soon as I became a college student (literally always broke). The summer flew by, and before I knew it I was on my way back to Nebraska for good. Luckily, I had an amazing friend to share the very, very long road trip with. It was one of the best times of my life and so many memories were made. Little did I know how emotional her departure would be when I dropped her off at the airport and when my parents began their trip back to our home state.
I wouldn't admit it to anyone or myself, but I was in a depressed state when everyone left because I was actually alone. Freedom hit me like a freight train and I didn't know what to do about it. It took about a week for me to adjust and figure things out (like driving down one-way streets). Once I got the hang of everything, the pieces began to fall into place and I had that feeling that I had the first time I visited. I fell in love with Lincoln all over again. There is always something going on around campus. I am never bored and I have great roommates, which makes the experience even better and the adjustment easier. It has already been a roller coaster of a year, but we have some great memories.
In high school, I had some amazing friends and they're still my friends to this day. I do miss them with all my heart and sometimes I wish I still lived ten minutes away so that I could visit. We all still stay in touch via texting and FaceTime. It makes it a little easier to bear. Even though I had some great friends in high school, I felt like I was judged for what my dream was and what I believed that I could do. This caused me to have anxiety about what I wore, what I said, who I associated with, etc. This type of anxiety caused me to feel like I didn't belong there and it made it ten thousand times harder to go to school. I just minded my own business and stuck with my small group of friends until we finally graduated. This is why I feel like I belong in Nebraska. I am surrounded by people who understand my dreams and some even have the same dream. I don't feel like an outcast for once.
Needless to say, I have already made so many amazing friends and I love them dearly. All of us have had our ups and downs, but life isn't perfect. I have decided to put my focus on my future and to surround myself with those who want to help me succeed. With my determination and the will of God, I know I can do this. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something, especially if you have dreamed about it for what feels like ages. Always believe in yourself and never let the haters slow you down. I didn't and now I'm living my dream.
ALWAYS keep the faith.
