I've decided which friends I want to keep around, what to order at Olive Garden or what I want for Christmas for years. But when it comes down to it, as an almost-18 year old, I haven't made many huge life decisions. I'm talking the really big ones. And the biggest one yet has been where to go to college.

I'm happy to say that I've made the right choice in Catawba College.

I know, I know--I've only been in college for about one month. But that's exactly why I'm so confident in my feelings. If I didn't absolutely love this school and my choice already, I wouldn't be glad to go to class every day. I wouldn't look around at campus as I walk through thinking about how beautiful it is or how lucky I am.

So why do I love Catawba College? Well, a lot of reasons.

I love my classes. I know, crazy right? I love that my professors know my name, go out of their way to check in with me on how I'm adjusting to college life and that they truly care about educating me. The personalized education that I'm already receiving would not be available to me on a "big" campus. Not only does this make my education better and more enjoyable, but the connections I'll make with my professors will give me connections that I need when I graduate.

I love the community. We are small, and at first I wasn't sure how I'd feel about that. But walking across campus and seeing familiar faces that I know I can count on for a smile and a "hello" is a gift. The fact that every first-year student was invited to President Lewis's home for candy and conversation at the beginning of the year was extremely special. How many people can say that they've listened to the "Hamilton" soundtrack with their college president? Everyone talked about the community here when I was in the application process, and now I understand why. Catawba really feels like a family.

Catawba gives me opportunities. Every day I get an email about another speaker who's visiting campus, a volunteer opportunity, or a chance to mingle with students, staff, and faculty. In the remainder of this month alone I can listen to Dr. Mark Achtemeir speak about sexuality and religion and learn from Diana Cohen about plastic pollution and how we can improve the health of our planet among other speakers. Catawba puts in effort to give students a well-rounded, truly liberal arts education outside of the classroom as well as within.

Another huge aspect is our pride. Catawba is quickly climbing the ranks on multiple lists of colleges. Recently we've been named the fourth best regional college for the south by U.S. News and ninth in the nation for best college theatre according to the Princeton Review. These are just two examples among many of reasons to be proud. Catawba is on the map--and we know it.

I could continue to ramble off reasons why I love Catawba and why I encourage anybody to apply, but I'm not going to. Why? Because I'm going to go enjoy all of these opportunities and experiences that I just told you about.

Picking a college is a huge decision--and I keep being showed why I made the best one for me. Fair Catawba, my Catawba.