A commonly asked question at college orientation, "Where are you from?" The not so common response was for sure a conversation starter. "I'm from New Jersey!" What's a New Jersey girl doing at Michigan State University?

12 applications sent out last year, all of which were out of state. Without any hesitation, I knew I'd be ready to hop on a plane, wave goodbye to friends and family, and start a new journey in a different state. Leaving your hometown isn't an easy thing to do. I've created my own niche in New Jersey. It's the safe feeling you get when you step inside of your house knowing that everything is going to be okay.

The first time I stepped on campus at Michigan State University I was about 11 years old. I experienced my first Spartan tailgate and football game, and I was in disbelief at the size of the school. It was fall, the leaves were changing and the autumn air felt brisk.

Seven years later, as I walked down Grand River I knew right away that this place was my new home. The atmosphere is exhilarating. Whether you look to your left and see boys and girls walking to class or look to your right and see a dad walking with his four year old son decked out in Spartan gear, there's no better feeling than being apart of the Spartan community.

As I toured the school with my parents on orientation weekend , got my student schedule and Spartan ID, it all suddenly became real. As I write this, in two days I will be living in a college dorm, walking to class, making new friends, joining clubs on campus and doing all the activities MSU has to offer. So to answer the popular question, “What's a New Jersey girl doing at Michigan State University?” I’m starting the next chapter of my life. East Lansing, Michigan, see you soon!