Smile
When I started thinking about college and applying to college, I wasn't ever sure of where I wanted to go. From the beginning, the only place I really confident about was Mizzou. I applied to several state schools in Illinois and Missouri, even if I didn't really want to go there. For example, I applied to Eastern Illinois University and Missouri State University, although I never had any intention to go to those schools, no matter how much scholarship money they awarded me. So why did I do that--why did I apply to these schools?
Because money has always been a concern for my family, and they didn't want me to have all these loans piled up if I went to an expensive school.
Yes, that's very reasonable. I know I'm not the only one who made their college decision based on their family's financial limits. It's very common for any student who wants to go to college. I really just hate that it's like that though.
So, I had my mind set on Mizzou after Ivisited them. Their journalism school was top notch, and it seemed like I would have really enjoyed attending school there. But then in November, a letter came from the University of Alabama, offering me almost a full ride to attend school there. The only things I would have had to pay for were my books and my meal plan. Of course, my dad and I made the trip down to UA to visit. Twice.
As soon as I step foot on the campus and spoke with professors and students, I was sold. Hands down, I knew I wanted to go to UA.
And now here I am, almsot finished with my sophomore year, and I'm wondering if I really made the right decision two years ago. Everyone says that "College is going to be the best time of your life." If that's true, UA hasn't pulled through for me. In the beginning, it was great. I was having a great time, and I know that all came along with being a freshman, finally finding freedom from the parents, and being 8 hours away from home.
I'm realizing now that the people, the events, the campus, the classes, the organizations, the social life, etc. just...doesn't satisfy me. It really doesn't. Now I'm wondering how much I really enjoyed the school while I was visiting...was it really genuine, or was I being unknowingly influenced by the knowledge that I would be going to school here almost for free? I know I would have never chosen UA if they hadn't offered the scholarship package to me. So...if I had just had a normal college visit, as a student who wouldn't have been offered as large an amount in scholarship money, how would I have felt about UA then?
I'm not saying everything about UA is horrible. I know some great people, I have great opportunities, and I know the academic programs are pretty amazing.
And no matter how I feel about this situation, I know I won't transfer.
It's just that everyone tells you that you have to make sure the college you choose is a perfect fit for you. The University of Alabama definitely is not the perfect fit for me, and I'm just not sure I really made the right decision.
