Recently, I overheard someone tell me that Texas kids are slowly overtaking the state of Arkansas. There are almost more Texas students than there are Arkansas students, and that number has only increased in recent years. Heck, it got so bad that a company got started to praise Texas kids being in Arkansas (I see you, Lone Star Hog). Even more so, Texas kids wanted their Whataburger so badly that two locations got put in Fayetteville.
Now, many in state students see this as a bad thing. We're taking away opportunities from them, they don't understand why we don't just go to school in Texas, etc. However, I know lots of in state students that don't see it that way. Sure, Texas kids make up a significant portion of the student population, but is that really a bad thing?
Now, being a Texas student at the University of Arkansas, I have a few things to say about my decision:
1. It was cheaper. I looked at 3 schools in particular when I was in high school: TCU, Texas A&M, and Arkansas. Out of all three, Arkansas was the cheapest. Texas A&M was still more expensive even with in state tuition.
2. The campus is beautiful. This state has some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. I love being able to see the leaves change, see the ground blanketed with snow, and see the sun rise over the majestic mountains. Anytime anyone asks me why I love Arkansas, that's one of the first things I tell them.
3. I had many more opportunities here. I am a journalism major, so I really tried to look at schools that would accommodate that. TCU offered journalism, but the entire umbrella was under one major, not specific majors. A&M only offered a communications degree. Arkansas offered not only journalism, but the ability to specialize in different journalism departments.
4. It's decently sized. A&M has 50,000 students, TCU has roughly 1600 or so. Arkansas has 27,000-28,000 if I am correct on my facts. That's the perfect size for me. I came from a high school of roughly 1,000 kids, so I wanted a big change. However, I didn't want to feel like a small fish in a gigantic ocean.
5. The town and school spirit are fantastic. Arkansas does not have any professional sports teams, so the entire state roots for the Razorbacks. To have not only an entire city, but an entire state rooting for you? That's pretty incredible. Everyone gets into the games, the tailgates, and the team. People from all over the state gather in Fayetteville on game day to watch their beloved Razorbacks try for a win.
I may be biased, but I love being a Texan in Arkansas. It's the perfect place for me, and I will never say otherwise.
