The College Decision

April is an exciting time for both students and parents. Most high school seniors have already chosen their college destination and are coasting through the final stretch of high school, what many call the “senioritis” phase. But some are still facing one of the biggest decisions of their young lives: Where do I go to college?

When I was a high school senior, I chose a small liberal arts college over a large university. Why? Because I believed it was the right fit for the future version of myself. Looking back ten years later, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

When I was faced with the daunting choice of choosing two polar opposite schools, I kept realizing that it’s important to choose a school where you see yourself finding success both academically and personally. College is not all about academics; it’s about failures, seeking new opportunities, and learning from your experiences to become more personally connected to your identity. 

During my four years, I built lifelong friendships, discovered new interests, and finally figured out what direction I wanted to pursue. Like many 18-year-olds, I had no clue what I wanted to do at first. I changed my major three times before discovering my passion for history. I started dating the woman I’ll marry this summer. I was accepted into a school of education to pursue my master’s degree. Today, I run my own educational consulting business, something I never would’ve imagined back then.

So here’s my advice: pick the school that will let you figure out a path to understand your identity. Find an adviser, teacher, or friend who will keep you motivated and accountable. Experience new things, meet new people, and explore.