When the end of my high school days began to draw near, I struggled with the fact that I would have to find the right college to attend after graduation. There were plenty of places I considered attending, but I made my final choice based on a suggestion from my sophomore English teacher. I knew I wanted to study English, and so he directed me to his alma mater: Eureka College. After a few visits to the campus my senior year, and after a few weekends spent there the summer before I attended, I fell in love with the school for various reasons. So without further ado, here are 10 reasons why I love Eureka College!

1. The campus is small.

This reason may seem trivial, but to me it was one of the biggest reasons I came to this school. When picking my college, I was used to being in a small school environment; after all, my high school was a tiny one with less than 300 students. I know that I never would have survived at a huge university, but this college of under 1,000 is just right for anyone who is unfamiliar with big schools.

2. I felt welcomed from the start.

From my very first tour to my first overnight stay, I never felt like an outcast. Everyone I met on campus was kind to me, whether it was faculty members or students themselves. No one was judgmental or despised me right off the bat, which I wasn't used to, but certainly loved nonetheless.The people I met also went out of their way to make sure I was happy and having a great time during my first visits. Even still, every person I meet is wonderful and makes me feel certain that I belong here.

3. I had friends from my very first day.

Since everyone I met was nice and got along with me, it was incredibly easy to make friends right from the start. JUMPstart, that is. The college's two day weekend program held the summer before my freshman year allowed me to meet so many new people and befriend them. Thanks to this, as well as the First Generation Early College Program, I was able to come to classes on my first day of college with the advantage of already knowing people.

4. I am able to commute.

My parents always told me that if I wanted to go to college, I would have to pay for it myself. I was not made of money in high school, of course, but I knew I wanted to go to college right after I graduated. This meant that I had to find a college that I would be able to drive to unless I wanted some serious debt. Eureka was the only four-year college in the area that was within driving distance for me, which only solidified my choice.

5. We have Starbucks coffee.

Do you really need any more reason to attend a college other than this? I mean, just look at this grasshopper. My mouth is watering at the thought of drinking one.

6. The professors are all wonderful.

Throughout my days in elementary, middle, and high school, I met so many great teachers who taught me countless life lessons. Even so, none have compared to the professors I have encountered at this school. Each and every one of them truly cares about their students' education and will help you out in any way they possibly can; for that, I will be forever grateful. Also, most of our professors will take a selfie with you, so there's that.

7. We have many notable alumni.

Eureka College is home to many great Alums, including the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan. However, he is not the only great Alum to have walked 'neath the Elms. Some others include the jazz musician Tom Vaughn, a World War II Code breaker named Annette Dyar Sherman, and the United States Congressman Jonathan Harvey Rowell.

8. We have extracurriculars for many different interests.

Not only is there Greek Life, but we also have programs such as Anime Club, Business Society, Improv Troupe, and a Chess Club. Not to mention all of the sports, such as football, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Even though we have a small school, there really is an activity for everyone.

9. I love the Greek Life.

When I first came to college, I never thought I would be a "sorority girl." My idea of Greek Life changed, however, as soon as I met the members of each sorority and fraternity. I found that Greek students do not really have the stereotypes that people tend to associate with them. That is why, during my sophomore year, I decided to join Delta Zeta. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

10. The campus is my home away from home.

Even though, as a commuter, I still live with my parents, Eureka College is still my home away from home. I am here every day for my classes, and I tend to stay late to hang out with friends or take care of other obligations. Not to mention, all of my friends, my sisters, and my boyfriend are all here, which makes being on campus enjoyable. The community here at Eureka truly makes me feel like I belong, and I wouldn't have it any other way.