Maize and Blue. Every Saturday morning those were the colors featured in our house. Although, I lived in Illinois my whole life, I was never a University of Illinois fan. But University of Michigan? That was the dream school. Watching Michigan football every weekend made up a huge part of my childhood and was a weekly tradition I had with my dad. One of my favorite memories I have of those Saturday mornings is the flag my dad hangs up in our main window in the living room. As soon as the sun rose, that flag was up and game day at the Pach household was under way. Throughout the game, I remember always being so invested in the rules, the plays, and frequently questioning the coach with my dad. When the Wolverines were winning, our house was filled with an ecstatic energy and I never wanted those days to end.

My love of Michigan football eventually grew into a determination to attend the university. Both of my parents went to Michigan, so going to that school was in my blood. The day I got accepted, I legitimately freaked out. Nothing had made me happier and I thought I knew where my next four years would be spent. I was ready to become a Wolverine and experience firsthand the football games at the Big House. However, I had also been accepted to another great university at the time: John Carroll University. At the time, I knew nothing about this school, except that its colors were blue and gold. After I toured both universities, JCU became the clear decision because somehow I fell utterly in love with the campus, the people I met, and I saw myself becoming a blue streak for the next four years. I do not regret my choice of choosing to go to JCU instead, but Michigan will always hold a special place in my heart. The Wolverines brought my dad and I closer together and I hope one day I can take him to go see a game at the Big House.

Yes, I realize that I now attend school in Ohio, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan's biggest rival. All of my friends know that I am not a fan of any Ohio sports teams and I love rooting for Michigan, wearing my Michigan sweatshirt around campus, and occasionally debating the Ohio State fans about the season. Unfortunately, this year my schedule has gotten a lot busier, so I do not have the time to watch Saturday morning games anymore, but every time I catch a glimpse of the iconic Wolverines on the common lounge tv, all those nostalgic feelings come back. After I graduate from JCU, one plan of mine is to attend University of Michigan's law school. One day, I will relive those old memories and finally attend a football game for the team I grew up watching.

#GoBlue