When my senior in high school self began looking at colleges, I was completely overwhelmed. Being the oldest child, I was the first of me and my siblings to graduate high school apply to college. Between the SAT's, applications, FAFSA, and everything else under the sun that goes along with applying for college, me and my parents were very confused.

Months went by and I finally got all of my acceptances and some denials. Two of the schools were close by and only about an hour or so away, and the other was six hours from home. My parents and I went ahead and visited all of the colleges upon acceptance, and I was blind sided by all of the tours, facts, and school paraphernalia around me.

Once I went on my last visit, it just felt right as we were almost there to the campus six hours away from my tiny home town. Nazareth College just felt comfortable while I was walking towards the admissions house. I met with my tour guide and started journeying through the small but beautiful campus. We visited the dorm where I eventually wound up moving in to in the fall and made a bunch of good friends and memories. I saw the highlights of campus including the amazing Peckham Hall science and math building, York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute, and Golisano Academic Center (properly nicknamed GAC by students). I felt like I fit in very well while walking through Smyth where I now take majority of my classes as a public health major.

It was a hard to choose between the three colleges, but I feel like my mind was already made up. My dad even said "I already know what you're going to go. Of course you're going to choose the one where you're far from home". I didn't think about it for a few days, and decided just in time by decision day that I knew where I wanted to go.

Low and behold, look where I am! I'm almost through my second year of college and Nazareth College. I'm six hours from home and couldn't be happier. I obviously miss my family from time to time, but I'm beginning my new journey and next level of education. I'm grateful to have this amazing opportunity to do so, and love what I'm doing with my life.