La Salle University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

CAITLYN

If I could go back in time, I could imagine giving myself 5 points of advice: 1. Do not put all of your attention into your boyfriend. Focus on making new friendships, because in the long run that is what will become most important. 2. Don't skip classes! No matter how tempting it may be to skip classes, DON'T! It is not worth losing points and especially not worth losing money. You're paying for your education, not the extra hour of sleep. 3. Join as many clubs as possible. The easiest way to make those everlasting college friends is to find people with the same interests as you. No matter how dorky the club may sound, if it interests you, join it! 4. Do not feel defeated if you have to change your major. You're only 18 years old, how are you supposed to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. 5. And finally, DO NOT buy Netflix. It is too much of a distraction. If I could go back and tell myself these 5 simple facts, I'm certain that my first year of college would have gone much smoother.

Markietra

If I could talk to my past high school senior self, I would have so many things to tell myself to prepare for. The conversation would probably go something like this: 1. Getting an education is important to us, and without any scholarships, we probably would not be able to achieve the full education that we want. Scholarships are not a joke, and should not be put on hold, or you may end up filling them out all through your college life, like you are doing right now. 2. Never give up on want you want to be. The classes are stressful, and they make you question the career path that you have chosen. Stay true to yourself, and use all the resources that La Salle gives you, so that you can continue to pass your classes and achieve your career path. 3. You are extremely smart with the people that you allow in your life. Keep it that way, because good people bring good vibes.

Amanda

I would encourage myself to open up more and not be so shy. I would join more clubs, maybe a sorority. I would tell myself to explore all that La Salle has to offer and take advantage of all of the great things available. I would tell myself to not be afraid and that I will be successful in everything that I do and I would enourage myself to try my best and just have fun!

Robyn

The advice I would give myself is to always prepare for everything because not everything is going to go as planned. I would also tell myself to learn time mangement; set a few hours a week to study for each class. The final advice I would give myself is to never be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

Lexus

I would have told myself to not take the AP classes I took in high school and just have stayed in honors to raise my GPA. Also, I probably would have told myself to actually start trying to study because in college you really need to know how to study. For the AP class thing and GPA, it would have opened me up to more scholarship opportunities that could help me pay for college in the future. That is about the only thing that I would have changed, everything else at college is good and I enjoy it.

Steven

I would tell my self to destress more. I thought every little thing in college was important. I had fun, I met the love of my life, and I had amazing experiences, but in the end I was stressed out a lot. Being involved, having good grades, traveling, and being social are all important, but you need to understand what you have control over. Other people, especially administration and adults will do things that will upset, just relax and understand that you can only do so much. Enjoy the flexible schedule, go outside during nice weather, and have fun.

ana

I would make sure to choose the best college based on my major and based on the best financial aid package.

patricia

If I could go back in time, I would give myself the following advice. I would take college seriously and learn all that my professors and the experience offered to me. I would tell a student to set aside time to study, to go to class, and to have some fun, whether it is on or off campus. I would take advantage of my professors advice and wisdom that they bring. I would get a decent night's sleep so that I was alert for all of my classes and eat well for the same reason. I would tell a student that while grades are important, it is more important to learn. I would organize my life and make a schedule so that my learning was a priority. These opportunities do not come often in life so I would learn as much as I can in those short years. I would try to limit my outside responsibilities as much as possible so that my education is the number one priority in my life and try to enlist the help of family and friends to help me with this. This is a golden time in life; enjoy it!

Kelli

If I had the chance to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that I wasn’t as grown as I thought I was, and there was still a lot I had to learn. After graduating college and putting four years of work and college loans into my education, I realized that I chose something I was comfortable with at the time, but not that I wanted to spend a lifetime doing. Now I’m going back to school for nursing, which is not only flexible and rewarding, but there’s room to advance. I think it’s important to choose something in which you will always be able to work your way up so that you never feel “stuck”. The advice I would give is to research different jobs and talking to some people in the same line of work to hear both the positive and negatives, and if it’s something you could see yourself doing. Also, I think it’s important to plan what you would be doing after college, because many times a person graduates with a degree which there is no demand for.

Brandon

Going into college can be a very frightening and tumultuous time for any young adult. High School's around the world try to prepare students for what lies ahead of them, but it can never be really understood until it is experienced by the students' themselves. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to simply relax and take the college application process one step at a time. You can't enjoy your final year in High School by having this stressful situation take over your life. All that can be done is to apply to as many colleges as you can, do very well in all of your classes, and hope for the best. Everything will work out fine in the end.

Kathleen

College is very different from high school. Moving away, meeting new people, and becoming more independent is a big change. Once you get to school it is important to go out and meet as many people as you can because unlike high school, you will not know everyone there. Also getting involved with activities on campus is very important. This is where most of your friends will come from. It is an awesome way to get connected with your college.

Darneisha

Dear darneshia 2011 How are you these days? It has been so long since the last time we spoke I wanted to check up on you senior year. I know this last year of high school can truly be a stressful one .With having to focus on your regular daily activities. Along with the preparation that goes into your prom, graduation, and getting into college. But trust me “Life’s today’s are here to prepare for its tomorrow”. With that stated if I could give you any advice on your future college life. I would say stay focus, plan ahead and be organized. Those three key aspects will assist you with your college life more than any may realize. They will keep you on task when it comes to keeping your important deadlines and the finding out/ using of all beneficial information needed for college that you may have not been made aware ( such as the importance of knowing about the credits you need, along with the role MONEY will play in the next 4 years). Lastly and maybe the most important have a plan and stay hungry to stick to the plan and achieve it. Love Darneshia 2012

Ruben

I know that is a little difficult to think to go back to the past. But if I had the opportunity to travel back in time and meet with myself in high school and with the experiences that I have now, it could be marvelous to see myself again. After a brief talk with me it would not have been difficult to convince myself to travel to United States to study in La Salle to get a good education, and telling myself that this had been the best choice in my life. And without doubt, I would have done the impossible to come to study in the United States, because for low income student it is a bit difficult to study in a third world country.

Justin

I would go back and tell myself to relax. I was so worried in high school about where I was going to get in, what classes I was going to take, what major I would declare, and so many other questions. Once I got to La Salle, I realized I was too uptight and worried when there really was not anything to worry about. I have plenty of time to get stuff done, I did very good with grades, I got along great with my roommate, things just really were not that bad. I would remind myself this is not the case for everyone, but there is no reason to excessively worry. Anyone has the right to be anxious because it is a huge step in life, but if you spend all that time worrying, it will hinder your growth and prevent you from enjoying college and getting a full experience out of it.

Michelle

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would have handled high school very differently. I would have payed attention more and tried to apply myself. I did not do bad in high school but I feel as if I did not push myself as much as I should have. I played around and took the things that I was being taught for granted. For example, in high school I thought that Biology was very boring so I did not pay much attention. I payed for it once I came to college and took Microbiology. I had a very difficult time grasping the material because I did not understnad the basics of biology due to my lack of care for biology in high school. I did not do very bad in microbiology, but I know I could have done better if I had payd attention to the things I was taught in my highschool biology class.

Ursula

College experience is the very important and the more I attend school the more experience I am receiving in my nursing carreer. College has taught me to be a critical thinker in the nursing profession. It is valuable to attend to learn and recieve as much knowledge as I can to make me a better nurse. Knowledge is a wonderful assest in my profession and I am proud to be a nurse and continue to receive the education I am getting. By giving me this scholarship, this helps me continue my education as a nurse and gives me the opportunity to fill my dream of becoming a nurse anesthesist. It helps me to still study very hard for my continuing career while providing for my three beautiful daughters. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Jeffrey

Although i've just started my college experience and it has been tremendous thus far. I completely appreciate this opportunity alot more now that i am older versus when i could have gone at the age of 17. I graduated high school not knowing what i wanted to do with my life. I've worked endless dead end jobs over the course of my break and all that helped me do was find my road. Reality was that my parents could never afford to finance my education and i was the one that had to figure it out for myself. After extensive research, of all the music schools i could have requested information from across the world, i finally found the one for me. The Arts Institute is an excellent facility for anyone considering taking control of their lives, knowing what direction they wanted to go and getting the resources and tools they would need to be successful at their given field. People here, both faculty and classmates, all stress an urgency to succeed and do anything in their power to help you reach that goal. I feel at home because i am constantly being surrounded by like-minded individuals.

Noheli

Out of everything that I have learned in college I find that the most important lessons is to work hard, take care of yourself, and to be grateful for the opportunity to be in school. There are millions of people ut there who cannot afford a college education and I am one fo the few who are. I am lucky enough to have a father who works 14 hour days to pay for my education but there are plenty of people who do not. My father never went to college so I feel that it is my duty to work hard and make him proud. Having a hard work ethic has also helped me to achieve better grades and I have learned that at the end of the day it is up to me achieve what I want. I have also learned to take care of myself because no one else will. My mother is no longer here to check up on me or keep me up on my work so I have to responisble enough to do it all on my own.

Shira

As an Orthodox Jew who had no exposure to other cultures, college enabled me to open myself up to questions and lines of inquiry I could have otherwise never encountered. As a college student I have been able to explore the spectrum of activities and academic pursuits that interest me in order to discover what I am truly passionate about. Having such a diverse range of people, interestes, activites, backgrounds, and cultures at my disposal forced me to investigate, question, and ultimately learn so much about myself. At the end of the day, college is about uncovering and strengethening student passion. Students can come in with a fair sense of their strengths or weaknesses, but without a larger idea of what their role in the world should be, or what they want it to be. My college experience allowed me to see my passion for creating deep and open dialogue among groups with historically bad relationships, and this realization, along with the oppurtunities available to pursue such dialogue, has been invaluable.

Rachel

I have learned to use my time wisely and to always ask questions. Both of these will assist in not only doing well in your classes, but also to keep yourself from going insane. I have also learned that sometimes you just need to take a break from studying and doing work. This keeps your mind fresh so you can always do your best.

Margaret-Ann

Dear Self, As improbable as this sounds? it?s you, from the future! Here?s some advice about the year ahead. You?re going to learn so many things, and a great many lessons will occur outside the classroom ? so pay attention. You?ll see that despite what the girls said, you won?t be friends forever. And despite what your teachers told you, you won?t lose your faith in college. (No surprise there, right?) But don?t dwell on the negative, since there are so many good things ahead. The rest of senior year is going to fly by and you are going to make so many great memories. In college, you?ll be inspired from some of your professors to become an even better teacher. And you?ll meet the man of your dreams who is also your best friend. (By the way, we have great taste!) In all seriousness, if you take one thing from this, let it be the following ? you can?t plan everything all the time? so embrace your hidden spontaneous side! PS: Remember when mom told you that God just laughs when we make plans? Well, I?m pretty sure he does.

Gregory

Greg, Jump in the air, click your heels, make a few strange and unusual noises loudly enough to entertain those around you, and then pat yourself on the back. The first three directives will help instill in you a habit sure to keep your spirits and energy bright throughout college. The last instructive congratulates yourself on your success in high school and your fabulous choice on La Salle University as the next step in your education. Your emersion into the college experience will be supplemented with a great social life, a roommate that teaches you how to play guitar, a few great friends, forbes magazine, and a host of major switches and opportunities to meet alumni who have all conquered the world. Don?t worry, your study habits will not dwindle; although you are going to earn your first C in history class. Don't tell anyone, but you will get an A with that same professor next semester. It really was your lack of ability all along. -Your future PS. Your optimistic attitude and go-free happiness will become a disease on campus afflicting those around you. Start practicing now, your family will appreciate it as well.

Donelle

The advise that I would give myself if I was a high school senior would be to balance my time wisely and to make sure to get involved with organizations on campus. I would also tell myself to really get to know my professors because they offer invaluable information and really want you to succeed. One of the biggest things I would say is to get at least one internship while at school because it is a good way to network and find out about possible job opportunities. Internships also give you an idea about whether you would enjoy a career in your chosen field.

Jarrett

If I could go back in time as a highschool senior I would tell myself the make sure that I am always on time with any type of obligations that I might have. I would make it a point to tell myself to actually utilize those weekly planners to thier extent, and I would tell myself to work hard, but to still have fun and be social. I would remind myself how important it is to be involved with extra curicular activities and to allow myself to experience as much as I can for the freshman year so that years to come will be easier. Lastly the most important thing I would tell myself is to never be afraid of what I can accomplish, and to always aim high and set high goals. A wise man once said the problem with people today is not that they set high goals and miss, but they aim too low and hit.

Jenna

Do not simply go over the material only while in class, outside class work is very important in understanding the material. Also even with the government's help attempting to fund your education on your own is a tantalizing task that is going to take consistency and dedication. You can't be afraid to ask for help, no matter how it makes you look, in the end you will be much more satisfied because your connections can make things move a little more smoothly.

Jamie

If I were to go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would say "your two best options are, one, join the military right after high school, get an education for free, get commissioned as an officer and have a fulfilling career at the same time. Option 2, would be to go to a University, enroll in the Reserve Officers Training, enjoy the four years of college and training to become a military officer. Once your four years is completed, you can get commissioned and you are guarenteed a fulfilling military career. Which ever road you choose, military life is unbeatable. Your medical care is taken care of, you are given money for housing and food. You will get to travel the world with no out of pocket expense. You will get to do and see things not commomly found in the civilian work place. At the same time you will have the pride of knowing that you are working for and defending your country! After you fulfill tewnty years of military dedication, you are able to retire. Civilians usually dont get to retire at the age of 38. Get an education! And join the Military!!"

Monika

I would advise other high school students to not attempt to stereotype the student body of a college after one visit. There are many different types of people at every college, and there is always a group of people you will be able to become friends with. Some schools do have a more welcoming and friendly social atmosphere though, and that is what students should look for. It is also important to ask about student life on the weekends. Is the school a ?back-pack college?? Also, make sure that the school is an appropriate distance away from home for you. Make sure you would feel comfortable traveling that distance every time you want to go home. Most importantly, make sure that the school is offering classes that you feel you would be interested in and that the classes sizes would create the best learning environment for you.

D

When it comes to studying, study effectively. Plan ahead. Have and use a calendar to plan your days for the semester. You had better manage your time. Read and chart your syllabus. Look ahead. Academics are first, extracurricular activities are a close second. Make sure that you get involved in extracurricular activities. Do not overextend yourself. If you join a group that needs you and your skills, you will feel a sense of almost guilty commitment if you cannot give 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}. So choose wisely. Make friends. Have fun. Play hard, but play smart. Enjoy the new friendships you make. Always carry a phone and have at least ten subway tokens in your drawer. (This means always be prepared to take a little trip to enjoy the surrounding area/city). Do not worry about leaving home. Frequent contact with the family via calls and texting reduces the homesickness. Finally, there will be parties with illegal drinking, accept that. If you do not wish to be a part of that, simply say no. It is okay to be strong, but you do not have to be annoying. Help roommates in their time of need and encourage them to watch their drinking habits.

Emily

First of all, just breathe. Yes, this is a major step in your life, but I know you can handle it. Secondly, go with what you really want. Yes, I know that sounds simple, but believe me, it is the best advice I can give to you. What I mean is, if you have to take out extra loans just to go to that "reach" school, it will definately be worth your happiness. Do not settle for "just okay." If you go for your dreams, no amount of money should have to hold you back. As for adjusting to life once you are at a college, just be yourself. Again, it sounds simple, but it really makes all the difference. If you are relaxing and staying true to yourself, then all the rest will fall into place. You will have fun and make new friends, and it will just come naturally. Stay strong, self. I know you can do it.

Kaitlyn

A major piece of advice I would give myself if I were to go back in time would be finding out that I had enough money for whatever school I went to before making a definite decision. I had my heart set on this school since the day I went for my first visit; I loved the campus and I loved the track coach. Because of this I wouldn't settle for anything different and I should have kept my options open instead of saying "I'm going here!." That was my big mistake. I would also tell myself to get more prepared for being on my own because at first it can be kind of hard; free reign of whatever I want to do can be bad. I went out more than I should have. Overall I would just tell myself to follow my heart but to make the best decision for me and my family because the cost of the school also puts a hardship on my family.

Dorothy

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to save up more money. The biggest suprise that I had was that I really was broke once I got to college. Before I went, I just assumed I would have time to find a steady job and then keep it, but after ariving at college that was not a real option. La Salle, the University I go to, has no real job opportunities. I can get the odd job on campus, but that doesn't make nearly enough money. Another thing I would tell myself would be because I don't party, I will need to find other ways to make friends. It is really important to sign up for clubs because it's hard to make friends in the classrooms like I did in high school. My first year of college, I ended up sitting in my room watching lots of movies on my laptop. This year, I'm hardly in my room with all of the activities I've joined. The final thing I would tell myself is not to be afraid to try new things. That's what college is all about.

Rebecca

Self, you can do this....it is hard but keep trying. Do not let anything hold you back...you definitely need to bring this grade up. School is hard but this is the last year. Come on, self. Never, never, never give up. Keep pushing yourself and use your resources. Tutors can help with all your subjects. YOU CAN DO THIS...

Olga

I wish I could have done a little bit better in school when I realize how hard I am working now. I also wish I knew exactly what school I wanted to go to and would have researched it a bit better. I wish I went to school down south instead.

Paige

I believe finding the right college has to do with how the student feels when he or she visits the college prior to applying. I've found that most of the time students just feel right when they visit a certain college and just know that the school is right for them. Size and location of the college or university plays a huge role in deciding which school is best. Sometimes seeing students who already attend the school also can influence whether or not the college seems right. In order to get the most out of the college experience, one must have an open mind and be willing to try new things and talk to people him or her normally would not associate him or her selves with. College helps one realize a lot about oneself and could be one of the most rewarding experiences. Never be judgmental because you never know when you?ll find something new you might enjoy.

Judith

When finfing the right college do what is best and what feels right for you the student. Because afterall you will be the one living there and attending school there. Make a choice for a school you want and not what others want for you because your future is going to depend on the education your receiving and the experience you get from it. To make the most of our college experience do your work and succeed acaemically first, then go and do activities around campus that interest you to make new friends, join study groups from class to help make new friends. Be school oriented and learn new things and discover new things you never knew before about your campus.

Rebecca

The first step to finding the right college would be to identify what your interests are academically and socially. Make a list of things that you want your "dream" college to have (ex. a gym, greek life, small size classes, etc.). Start your college search by going online, meeting with your guidance counselor, and/or going to the informational meetings that colleges hold at high schools. Keep in mind of what you really want in a college. Don't rely on your family and friends to decide a college for you, because in the end it is your choice completely. Students should apply to 5 colleges and should also try to go on many college visits, because sometimes a school is more appealing on paper than in person ( and vice-versa). When it comes to making the most out of the college experience, I will put it simply: never waste a day. College can get lonely without the comforts of home, so be sure to make friends whom you can trust. Stay focused by balancing leisure and academics. And please get involved. These days it just isn't quite enough to have straight A's, you need to have experience.

Raquel

The advice that I would give to parents is to make sure that they research every detail into the colleges and don't just except what they say without looking into it. They should also listen to what there child wants to do and come to a decision where they can both compromise. Maybe there child likes the city and the parent would rather there child go to a school in the suburbs or an area where it is more secluded. The parents have to respect there child's wishes but at the same time they need to explain to there child why they would rather them in a specific area. Also for the parents exhaust every option financially with scholarships, grants and any other funding that they can get and don't wait until the last minute to do it because it might be to late. They have to allow there child to enjoy this experience because going to college isn't easy but should also be a learning and fun time for the student. The student needs to understand that college is fun but don't let the fun over crowd school work which is important. Do well!

Kelly

Visit schools more than once.

Kelly

Picking you college can be a very stressful and confusing time for both students and parents. There are so many options out there it almost feels impossible to pick only one. But when you visit colleges, there is a certain one that just gives you a certain feeling. A feeling that makes you feel home and welcome. When picking your college I would advise students and parents to measure it out to every last aspect, since you will be spending four years of your life there you want it to be the right one. I would tell students to pick where they would like to go, no one else. Do not let anyone tell you what to do, you will be the one attending that school and no one else. College will not be a happy place for you if it is not what you were looking for. Get involved and do not be afarid of change, this is your time to shine. Have fun and stay happy, keep your head up and your goals straight on target and work hard, it will be worth it.

Briana

I would start by researching schools based on whatever it is the prospective student wants, or on what he/she does not want. Search for open house days and go for a tour. Do this for as many schools as possible. Start the application process early and brainstorm for a great essay. Once the student has been accepted choose the top three. Weigh the pros and cons of each school. Choose from there. To make the most of ones college experience he/she must be social. Do not be afraid to talk to people. Everyone is in the same situation. Have an open mind. College is a diverse group of people. People who are not afraid to speak their minds and have different opinions from one's own. Do not be offended, just roll with it. He/she should not lose his/her morals and values, though. Stick up for what you believe in. Lastly, do not let college pass by. Academics and good grades get one far in this world and it is important to not let that slip away. College is what will help with a successful career, build longlasting friendships and cement one's values.

Shannon

Talk to an array current students, try to meet with professors in possible area of study

Margarita

Start off by looking at colleges with a strong liberal arts background if the student is undecided, if the student has decided on a major look for schools that have a weell developed program for that major. Students have an idea of what kind of neighborhood they want to be in so then you narrow it down by looking at location. To make the most of it while you're in school the best idea would be to get involved in a club. Not only will you find people with similar interest but it also allows you to see some of the inner workings of the school when planning events. The more involved you are ( balancing your schoolwork as well) the more you'll get out of college. You go there not just to learn but to live!

Angela

Try to figure out what you want to do after college. Then pick a college based on what you want to do. Don't just pick a college because thats where everyone goes or the fact that it's a good party school. I picked nursing so looked at colleges that were known for nursing. But with some of those colleges that I applied to, acceptance into the nursing school wasn't guaranteed. This really narrowed my options. Luckily, for me, it all worked out and I'm happy where I am.

Mark

Choose somewhere you want to go.

Ashton

My advice to parents and students would be to choose a school based on the vine you get from the campus and on the professors. Friends will always be there, however a professor can really make opr break a course. So, visit alot of different campuses and really try to get a feel for the people and environment. If you feel comfortable and at home than it is probably the right school for you. Also, be independent. Do not choose the local college just because your friends from high school are going there. Go out on your own and see the world, it is the best way to be prepared for life.

Aimee

Just try to find a school that you feel comfortable at, you are going to be living there for four years you need to be able to picture the next four years of your life at that school, otherwise it isn't the school for you. Being in college isn't all about academics, you cant spend all your time studying and doing school work although it should be a high priority! Get out and do things too!

Sharmyra

There are three pieces of advice that I would offer to parents or students about finding the right college. Some of the most important factors that can influence someones decision is their ability to pay for the institution that they would like to attend, its location relative to the student's home, and the programs and activities that the college has to offer. If a student would like to complete the program at any given institution, they should have the means to pay for it. Colleges are extremely expensive and being able to pay for tuition, room and board, and books and other expenses should be considered before accepting the offer to the school. Otherwise, there is the danger that they will not be able to pay for it later on down the line. If the student would like to come home during school breaks or even more frequently, they should be sure to have convenient transportation home. Schools that are not in big cities are harder to travel back and forth to. Finally, the student should consider programs that the school offers for career placement and clubs and organizations. Involvemnt in organizations will definitely impact the students social experience.

Angelique

I would tell parents and students to research the school that have the study you are interested in. After researching those colleges narrow them down to about 5-10 colleges that by figureing out if you want to live on campus, what kind of setting you like for example city, rural, suburb. Then visit those colleges to see if you like the food because that is a big deciding facotr since you will be eatting there for the next four years of your life, then close off campus food areas when you get tired of campus food, what the dorm rooms look like, how big the college campus is, the average class size, and possibly the sport you to play if you are interested. After that students should sit down and talk to their parents about the financial situation and what kind of route they are taking whether its loans, or they are paying for it out of poket. Then once you recieve the acceptance letters from your schools see which school gives you a bigger financial aid package and fits all your criteria for "school that is for you" and then you the college of your dreams.

Sarah

When you visit schools, whichever school you immediately feel most at home, and most comfortable at is most likely to be the school for you. Get involved and try to become good friends with the people in your major because they will be the people who will pull you through the next four years, especially knowing that you are all in this together. Find a balance between schoolwork and going out because once you find that balance you will be able to have both a high gpa, and have an amazing time with your friends and make memories that you will never forget.

Katie

At this point, the parents and students alike are probably overwhelmed with advice on how to go about choosing the right college. My guidance is to ignore it all. It's important to choose a school based on your own stipulations, as too many find out the hard way. College can be a much more satisfying experience knowing that you chose where you spent the most important years of your life.