By Tayja Ghatahora
Fall 2023
If you had told me 18 months ago that I would be attending Oklahoma State University, I would have laughed in your face. The thought of going to a well known university within driving distance of my hometown appalled me. Schools like William and Mary, Georgetown, Bard, and Colgate University were at the top of my list. However, after looking at the acceptance rates my mind quickie changed.
The summer going into my senior year, I came to terms with the fact that I was not ready to jet off to the other side of the country. I began to notice that smaller colleges existed outside of the northeast. When googling OSU, I kept seeing the phrase “land grant university” next to the acceptance rate. I was clueless as to what that meant and how it would impact my education. The more I gave it though and talked excessvivley with my parents, OSU sounded like the best option for me. I later found out that one of my best friends was also considering attending OSU, it soon felt like a no brainer.
Friday September 30th, I was sitting in my english class bored out of my mind when I decided to check my inbox. What I thought was yet another promotional email for OSU turned out to be my acceptance email. I wanted nothing more than to call every single person I knew and tell them the good news. I then realized that I was smiling manically to myself and that I probably looked insane. Quickly, I calmed myself down and attempted to focus on that task at hand which was impossible. As soon as the bell rang, I shot out of my classeoom and ran down the hall to tell my best friend. I uttered the words “I just got into OSU”, she let out a gasp followed by an elated scream. We were capturing the attention of many bystanders in the busy hallway but I did not care, I was going to college with my best friend.
I wanted nothing more than to graduate, to finally be done with the trivial drama high school has to offer. However, after I waked across that stage, I looked around me at all the faces I’ve been surrounded by for the past four years and was consumed by a wave of sadness. As I moved the tassle from right to left, I looked over at my best friends and my heart broke. It all hit me at once, everyone is going to move on. I then realized my parents will no longer be a couple steps away but rather a four hour drive. The summer was spent making memories with those I love the most, but I still could not shake that bittersweet feeling. My silly little teenage girl chapter was coming to an end and I was about to start true adulthood. My mom would often say to me “What on earth am I going to do without my partner in crime?” To which I would respond with a sad laugh while holding back tears.
Now as I sit here reflecting on my journey, I have come to terms with the fact that I would not want my college experience to be anywhere else. Oklahoma State University offers me that small campus I longed for with the convenience of a drive home. I have peace of mind that I’m not truly alone which made the transition into adulthood virtually seamless. The fact that OSU is a land grant university means that they really care about each individual their education. A molecular biology student gave her testimony and she said “attending OSU is so important to me. I know I’m getting such a great education and being a land-grant university, OSU really pours into me” (We Are Land Grant 12:50). Research has always been something of interest and OSU has given me the opportunity to be able to conduct research with faculty. I am apart of the research scholars which give me the opportunity to work with Dr. Defreitas and tour his lab. At OSU, you feel like a person rather than a number.
I am now 5 weeks into my freshman year and I’m thriving. I enjoy my daily routine of attending class, homework, and hanging out with my friends in the evening. Some days are harder than others and I want nothing more than to drive home and hug my parents. However, on the whole, I love it here. If only I could tell myself 18 months ago that this was where I was meant to be.
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