Why'd you pick the college you're attending now? Was it for a promising educational program? An athletic scholarship? To be close to home, or as far away as possible? What kept you from leaving? As the third year flies right for me, I can't help but think of why I picked Merrimack College. Everyone complains about the food, the WiFi, parties being shut down, etc. But what is it about this school that has me excited to back after every break, keeps a smile on my face, and is really going to bum me out once it's all over? Everyone has their own reasons for loving the school they attend, some different, some the same, and this is why I picked Merrimack College:

The Area

We all know Boston, one of the greatest cities ever, is not a far drive from Merrimack College, and is easy to get to. But if you're like me and not much of a city person, there is more to enjoy around here. Take a walk through Harold Parker State Forest, which is even closer to Merrimack. There's a place within the trails and trees of the park called Boston Hill, a monster of rise with the perfect view of the city when you reach the top. Totally worth the hike. Also, this place looks amazing all year round, from the Autumn colors in the forests to the Winter snow-capped hills and downtown area and to the beautiful landscape and lush plant life in the Spring and Summer. It all compliments the college's look perfectly.

The Lifestyles

Merrimack College is a bustling community, with sporting events to go to left and right, and perfect times to tailgate if you're unwilling to drive to Gillette Stadium to have a barbecue there. Also, with a great group of people you see every day, you'll always have someone to hang out with and enjoy the weekend with. Which reminds me...

Friends Everywhere

Forget those kids in high school you said you'd hang out with after graduation, Merrimack College has the friendliest bunch of students you'll ever meet. The small size of this school works to bring us closer as a community and make plenty of new friends. Even if you hardly know them, you'll always get a friendly "Hello!" and almost everyone holds the door for you. In times of exams, cold weather, and other stressful moments, there will always be someone here to cheer you up. Whether they're your teammates, fellow classmates, or roomies that'll keep you up until 5 a.m., there is no denying the memories and laughs you shared with your Merrimack friends will last forever.

The Staff

The professors here can really challenge your ideas of thinking to expand your horizons. I've never met a more educated staff that pushes the boundaries of what's expected from teaching. Since class sizes are so small, the professors don't need much time to get to know everyone in the class by name. They are always here for you, happy to help you out and cheer you on. Even if it's just for a semester, you will no doubt find a professor you really enjoyed working with and thank for their help in teaching you when you graduate and land the perfect job. With a high quality staff, you'll be able to make connections that can help set you up with a job. These people are here to guide you along the way to discover internships and new areas of interest. They are the reason why Merrimack has such great programs for all majors. The staff help inspire new ideas and motivate you to work harder. As for sports, there are coaches, trainers, and the weight room staff you'll see every day for practice. For a whole four years, they become your mentors and know who you are and how they can help you perform better.

There is something for everyone!

Opportunities and events wherever you look! There are career fairs and speaker nights available for everyone looking for help with gaining experience and building up their skills. If you're bored of sitting around watching Netflix or playing video games, there is definitely something going on at this moment. Not just sports games and Homecoming, but also events such as the Block Party, contests, movie nights, dinners, and so on. Little events hosted by your RA are a great way to make new friends in your dorm. Also, there are plenty of clubs to join to let people know who you are and show or find out what you can do. So next time you see a bunch of flyers on the community billboard on your floor, check them out! You'll never know what you'll find!

The Memories

As I said with there being friends everywhere, the best part of Merrimack College and why I'm glad I picked it is the memories; how you can look back on how far you've come from where you started years ago. The memories of events and days you shared with your friends, that joke someone told in class, the places you traveled through the college, the parties, the dinner dates, the experience. I knew when first visiting this school that I was going to be in for a real adventure for the next four years. I still can't believe how fast it is flying by. Merrimack is a great place to take advantage of every opportunity thrown at you. This college opens the door to many great places for you in the near future.