When it came to choosing a college, the decision was easy. I have bled blue all of my life.

Being born and raised in Louisville, I was never caught wearing red. Cheering for the Cats was what I was custom to. Both of my parents went here so there was just a little bit of influence ;) I have always dreamt of going to Kentucky for college, but senior year during fall break I toured the campus and it felt like home. I knew I belonged here. UK's campus is incomparable to any other state school. Every facility on campus has something special. The Willy T Library is insane in size, providing several different places to study in silence. If you want to study with your friends that's not a problem either, group tables are available. The new Student Center is hard to put into words how amazing it is. It provides a place to be social and to study. Want to work out or get Chick-Fil-A? Not a problem. It's all there. Studying isn't an issue either, there are several study rooms and conference rooms as well as little nooks you can always find. The project was completed this past summer so it is brand new, making it an integral part of campus and thankfully it's only a 2 minute walk from my dorm.

The distance

Distance was extremely important to me while choosing a school. I dreaded move in day and saying goodbye to my family and knowing I was miss the family dinners (I still have FOMO). But, the great part about Lexington is that it is exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes from my house so if I need to go home for the weekend or even the day I can.

The community

The Lexington community is great. So many people from Louisville came to Lexington. This may be a con for some people, but this is a pro for me. Every time I walk anywhere on campus I always see someone I know. This is what helps in making Lexington my home away from home.

You can't beat going to an SEC school.

The southeastern conference is known for their athletic atmosphere. UK is considered a "basketball school" and though it is, we can also be considered a football school now (thanks Benny Snell). Game days are the best days. Whether it is a noon game or 7:30 game, the streets are flooded with fans and students. Restaurants are too. Standing in Kroger Stadium gives me such a great feeling. This is MY school and I am so proud to go to it.