My parents moved to Tucson, Arizona over this past summer and gave me the option to leave my tiny little private school in northern Ohio and transfer to the BEAUTIFUL University of Arizona. I was completely opposed to transferring at first. However, once I visited the campus, I realized how gorgeous the campus was and how cool it would be to attend U of A. As soon as my campus visit had ended, I hopped on the internet and applied as a transfer student. I loved the idea of being a U of A Wildcat and was so excited to experience life in Tucson. The more I thought about it, the more I realized…. how could I ever leave my Tiffin home? So here are my reasons…

1. It may suck to know everyone, but it’s nice to know everyone.

Having the Dean of Students on speed dial can be very beneficial when you’re having an issue on campus. However, knowing everyone means everyone also knows you and knows every detail about your personal life.

2. Small is safe.

When your campus is only 110 acres, it’s pretty hard to get lost or not see familiar faces. If something goes wrong, there is always someone you know that can help out. There’s always at least one person who will go to war for you in a heartbeat.

3. The opportunities are so different.

At University of Arizona, I would have spent a fortune just to be able to ride for their equestrian team. At Tiffin, I simply pay for my own show clothing and nothing more. Greek life also costs a million times more at larger universities than at Tiffin. Not to mention the free stuff and the giveaways are WAY more prominent in the smaller communities than the larger colleges.

4. Classmates aren’t just classmates.

Those people you have class with each week are more than just your classmates. Most of those people, you spend all four years with. If they’re in your major, you’ll see them every semester until you graduate. These people very quickly become your family. You fight like siblings, play like siblings, and love like siblings. You will love them and they will love you…even when you think you hate them.

5. Professors know you and your life.

Most classes don’t exceed 40 people at Tiffin, so you get a good amount of one-on-one time with your professors. You get to know their personal life and they get to know your personal life. I have had the 3 professors at least twice now and I’m only in my second year of college. They know your parents’ names, your sports or clubs, and your learning style. And most importantly… they care about YOU!

6. Less physical activity.

Again… 110 acres is NOT a lot of space, so it’s real common to wake up at 7:55 for your 8 a.m. class every day since the walk is no more than 2 minutes to any building. So if you’re lazy, Tiffin’s the place to be! Don’t worry about your trek in the snow or rain because you won’t be gone very long.

7. It is home.

Tiffin is not just a school, but it is home to many of the students who attend the wonderful institution. Yes, it has its flaws, but then again, what school doesn’t? If you go into it with an open mind and look for the positives, you will quickly find yourself at home in Tiffin and enjoying each day you spend on the tiny, little campus.

So yes, I chose itty bitty Tiffin University over the astounding University of Arizona. Maybe I would have been better off transferring to the Wildcat nation, but I could not be happier with my decision to stay where I believe I belong and where I call home.

Every day is a great day to be a Dragon.