On this exact day (Nov. 12) I toured SMSU with my Dad. Originally, I was hesitant to tour the university because I felt like I already knew the place; my Dad is an SMSU basketball alumnus and for several years he brought me to Hawaiian Night and other men's and women's basketball games. I have great memories of these trips to Marshall. I loved seeing the crazy student section (who knew I would be in it years down the road) and mostly watching the mens team play. I truly became a fan of SMSU basketball before I even attended the university. I followed the team way more than any other sports team I liked and couldn't imagine going to any other university in the same division and to cheer against the Mustangs.
To this day I don't know why I didn't consider SMSU sooner. I loved attending basketball games so why not check out the academic side of the university? Well thankfully I did just that. I remember being nervous to tour SMSU because I was having a meeting with an admissions counselor and having a one-on-one tour where I couldn't hide in a group. Huge shout out to Trent Lueth who was my tour guide and Jess, my admissions counselor. They both made me feel comfortable and like I could ask anything.
I don't remember the specifics of the tour but what I do remember is the big smile I couldn't take off my face when "I knew". It all hit me when we were walking in the Culinology hallway. Don't ask me why it was at that moment that I made my decision especially because I am not a Culinology student, but I did. The big difference between SMSU and any other college I toured was that I felt welcomed and that I could succeed here. Coming from a tough high school experience I had lost faith in my academic ability. That day I felt a bit of that come back. This is really the only way to explain how I was feeling.
Attending SMSU was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In the last four years I have gained confidence in my ability to succeed and that I am capable of more than I think. I will forever be grateful for this place and everything it has given me. It is crazy that my time here at a student is coming to an end however, my time as a Mustang isn't. I look forward to coming back for many basketball games and Hawaiian Nights with my Dad as two alums.
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| The day I was officially accepted at SMSU. |
Very awesome story!! It's definitely a good feeling when you know that the school you're touring is "the one"! I was the complete opposite and never did any college visits or tours and I really have no idea why. I just kind of knew that I didn't want to move away from my hometown (Marshall) and so SMSU was one of the only colleges I applied to. I had been around campus before and liked it but I had no idea if I'd like going to school there. Luckily, I loved it after my first few days on classes and am happy I chose SMSU, just like you. It's a wonderful college and I'm glad that you're happy you chose it! It is quite crazy that soon we'll be graduating, though.
ReplyDeleteI remember the day I first came and toured SMSU, It was a great day. My dad loved it here, which made me happy, and I liked the atmosphere. I wasn't 100% set on SMSU though. I didn't know anyone and that scared me. One night I had a good dream about SMSU and from that day on I was a Mustang, I look back now and am so happy for that dream. I met so many awesome people that will be in my life forever. I met you and you're pretty cool;) SMSU was the place for me. I am glad it was the place for you too. I still can't believe we are Seniors. Time went by way too fast.
ReplyDeleteVery cool story Anna!! It really did hit me (while reading this) that I will be done with college in about six months. I'll always remember my first campus visit and then my second visit was when it finally sunked in that SMSU was the right fit for me. I will never forget all the experiences that I had and the confidence that I gained in myself. I'm really glad that I met you in college and hopefully we can stay in touch beyond college.
ReplyDeleteAnna I love this! I still remember when I first came to tour SMSU too! I had never even heard of Marshall before my mom told me that I was touring here. I had the same feeling though; I just knew it was right and after I toured here, I didn't want to even apply anywhere else. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful place as SMSU to call home.
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