Application Memories

Over break I had plans and ambitions to complete quite a few applications that are coming due in the next month: scholarship applications, my application to study abroad next J-term, and my application to do an externship next October for a few days during fall break. Some of the applications got done, some didn't, but it made me realize what a great break this past year has been from all of the stress that application processes can bring.

In some ways it's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since I was going through the process of applying to colleges and then making my final decision. In other ways it doesn't seem all that long ago because I can remember it all so vividly. There were some late nights sitting at the computer filling out paperwork and some long afternoons writing and rewriting essays for scholarship applications. Of course this is nothing new to all of you students.

As I was trying to decide which college was right for me, I struggled with knowing what I really wanted in a college. I had been accepted and offered scholarship money from most of the institutions that I had applied to, so that didn't really help me narrow down my choices. I didn't know for sure if I wanted to do sports or what I thought I might want to major in. As March rolled around I had my choices down to 2: Luther College and Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. These two schools were quite different in size, religion, and academic strengths. I wasn't sure which one would suit me better. It was a little frustrating but I came to the realization that no matter what college I decided on, it would work out just fine. My college experience would be what I decided to make it. I could be successful at any school if I made an effort to get involved, meet people, and work hard in my classes.

So how did I decide on Luther? I realized that I wanted to be an athlete at the next level. I saw that if I didn't continue with organized sports then I wouldn't be making use of my talents and doing what I really wanted to be doing. I also thought about the size of Luther and thought that it would be a better fit for me than a big university. I wanted to get to know my profs, and here at Luther I have definitely had the opportunity to. I wasn't sure that a big school would give me the small class sizes and the relationships with professors and students that I was comfortable with.

After I chose Luther it was like a weight had been lifted off of me and now I don't regret any part of my first year here. It has been everything I imagined and more. The students and faculty are all nice and they actually care about you. People see you walking across campus and actually know you and ask how your day is. The athletics have been challenging and extremely fun, while classes have been interesting and sufficiently difficult. Now I can't wait for my current applications to get finished so that I can feel that same sort of relief and usher in spring, just like last year.