From the time I could speak I would spew inklings of my college opinions to anyone who would listen. They mainly consisted of, "never in a million years will I go to Temple".

See the key here is that I had never been to Temple, seen anything Temple related, or even knew where Temple was. BUT, what I did know, is that both of my parents had gone to Temple.

My parents are each very unique souls who will always be insanely loved (even when we argue), but that didn't equate to me striving to be like them. I have always been shy, but an exceptionally independent person. Even though some traits of their lives and marriage I found to be goals to aspire for, I always assumed that to be my own person I needed to go to college as far away from home as possible. I assumed I needed to go to the most distinctly different school I could possibly find.

Well, when I reached high school age I discovered that would not be possible with the distance range my mom claimed to be where I was allowed to look for school. With age comes wisdom, and mom knew that under all my denial of needing family, everyone (especially me, the homebody), will get homesick and struggle to succeed by themselves.

So I began my search in the area, discovered where Temple University was located, and still maintained my denial of its existence. This went on for a while as I compiled my list of choices. Then one day came while driving home from the beach, and the parentals decided we were going to stop by and take a look at Temple.

As I grudgingly slid from the car, I opened my eyes and saw Temple for what it really was. The sun was gleaming, birds were singing, and students flooded the campus with happier smiles than you would expect while returning from classes.

This was my place.

We giddily skipped around campus letting the City of Brotherly Love infect our disposition, and fill us up with a renewed sense of life. Immediately I became a bubbly proponent of Temple and didn't stop talking about my love for the school until I received my letter of acceptance; which caused a tremendous amount of arm flailing and jumping in various directions.

Since then, I have finished one and a half semesters at Temple University, and don't regret my decision for anything. Yes, there are dreary days where it doesn't seem as it was advertised, but that's life, and I love the one I've been blessed with.

Temple has given me a beautiful campus, great classes, an endless supply of club opportunities, some of the most special friendships I have been able to develop, and, as they say, "Philly is your campus".