"The Feel"

The moment that I started looking at colleges I heard all about "the feel" and finding the "right fit" to me and my personality.

I nodded my head and smiled, but I had NO idea what I was supposed to be looking for. Since I was a boy crazy teenager I would boy hunt when I went on college visits... the higher the number of cute boys the higher the school was on my list.

As I got to the start of my senior year I started to buckle down and look at the school's reputation. I wanted a school that had a prestigious reputation, but I also would have to be able to do well in the classes. I started to get anxious about leaving my high school friends so I started to lean towards the colleges that they were looking at.

It wasn't until January, and after my 5th or 6th visit to Miami that I really realized what these people meant about "feel".

"Feel" is the shivers that you get when you walk on campus, or the excitement you feel at a sports game. Feel is the crave that you get when you hear about the stellar academics or the commitment you suddenly develop for a club that sounds like fun. It is the way that you feel comfortable and at home when you are on your campus tour, and the way that you can bond with the college students that already go to Miami.

I got the "feel' for Miami on my tour in January. I knew the second I walked out to the car with my mom that I would soon be calling Miami my new home.

It was a blustery and very ugly winter day, but the campus was still beautiful to me. The students walked around bundled up in their coats, scarves, sweatpants, and boots. They still wore warm smiles on their faces.

I felt like I belonged at Miami. When I walked through the rec I could see myself running the track or lifting weights in the weight room. I could see myself studying in the library and hanging out in Shriver. I could see myself connecting with these people.

This is MY college experience, and my parents let me make the decision for myself. It was one of the hardest things that I had to do, but when I finally made the decision: MIAMI. I was happy I did.

As I am almost at the half-way mark through my first semester at Miami I can't help but to be happy that I chose Miami. I feel like I'm already home.