Currently, I am a freshman at Washington State University. When I was a senior in high school, I applied only to Wazzu, knowing that this was the school that I wanted to spend the next four years of my life.

I am a communications major, and Washington State has one of the best programs that I could go to for that field. Not only that, but the location being only a five-hour drive from home would give me the independence I desired, while not being too far away. It seemed like a no-brainer for me.

However, what surprised me was the amount of snarky comments and disapproving people I would come in contact with. So many were quick to talk about the "party school" reputation it had, and how they just could not see me doing those things. It angered me because I know for a fact that many of these people themselves are partying. I mean, it is COLLEGE. So, why should you write off an entire school for doing what you do too, just at another school?

Now that I am here at school, I see that there are of course parties, but there are also just as many people going to school and doing what they need to be doing to be successful.

Listening to all of the comments and judgment I constantly hear from people, inspired me to put out all of the GREAT things that made me fall in love with WSU.

For one thing, the people here are some of the nicest people I have ever encountered. You can always be met with a friendly smile or wave. Never have I felt uncomfortable, unsafe or unwelcome by anyone here.

Not only that, but the campus is absolutely beautiful. From the brick buildings, to the views of the Palouse in the distance, to the rolling hills, (there are a lot) I am never not taken aback a little bit by how lucky I feel to go to a school that is so pretty.

Also, WSU has so many amazing academic programs. The communications and veterinary programs here are two of the best around.

More than anything, though, I think the most special about Washington State University is the amount of pride that students, alumni and faculty have for being associated with the school. Everywhere you go, you are bound to see someone repping crimson and gray. Anytime that I am out wearing my gear, I have someone yell at me, "Go cougs!"

It truly is such a family you become a part of when you attend Washington State University, and one that is for life. It truly is unique. Game days here are insane, with so many people on campus, all showing their spirit, tailgating, and cheering on our cougs. I wish that this was more what the focus was on, rather than the "party school" reputation so many like to paint it as.

At the end of the day, as much as I wish that others would stop talking badly about WSU, I know how I, and the rest of the people who have been lucky enough to go here, feel about this amazing place, and that is enough. I am in love with going to Washington State, and could not imagine going anywhere else.