I don't remember the exact moment that I decided on IU, but it was sometime during my sophomore year of high school. I didn't know what I was studying, and I had set foot on IU's campus only once, and all I saw was Memorial Stadium. My decision was based entirely on two facts: I was going to a big school, and I had to stay in Indiana because of scholarships.
Between my dad raising me on Indiana basketball and my lack of interest in anything engineering or agriculture related, I was left with the option of Indiana University. I made my decision, and I haven't looked back yet.
It could have turned out badly. I didn't apply to any other colleges. I chose my major based more on what I knew I didn't want to do than what I wanted to do. But at the time I was thinking about one thing: getting out of my hometown.
I didn't belong in my hometown. It's a nice enough place, but I've never felt like it is home. I've always been thinking about traveling and the day I'll get to live somewhere other than Indiana.
Thankfully, when I came to IU, I not only found a great school and place in Indiana that I love, but I found my home. I found a place where I have great friends and I've made so many unforgettable memories. When I travel on the weekends, I am proud to say that I'm from Bloomington. I no longer say "I'm going home this weekend," because my home is right here in Bloomington.
I am a Hoosier.
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