The Moment I Knew Arcadia Was for Me

I know I just got here, guys, but I believe I made the right college decision. When I began the college search process, I did not have a ‘dream’ college I wanted to attend. Therefore, I was not disappointed when I got denied by a university. I began the process by searching for a college I could call home. By that, I mean I was looking for a college that aligns with my morals. 

Before I talk about what my morals are, I would like to discuss how I define them. Morals and values help shape our character, guide our decision-making, and provide a sense of purpose and meaning. It’s important to understand where our morals and values come from. Our morals are often shaped by our family, cultural background, and spiritual beliefs. They can even be shaped by the events we have experienced, whether good or bad. These values then become deeply ingrained in our sense of self and become the stepping stones we use to navigate this thing we call life. 

Determining your morals is not a one-and-done process; it’s an ongoing journey, and you must live life to define them. Morals are not something that you inherit; they are standards that you develop. I define my values around the “Golden Rule”: treat others how you wish to be treated. By adhering to this rule, I strive to have compassion and integrity to serve others and constantly guard my heart. 

That said, Arcadia was the first college that I toured. I visited the University during one of the Summer Welcome Days, and I fell in love instantly. I was looking for a college that not only had my intended major but also had a notable study abroad program. I wanted to attend a college that was relatively smaller in size, with a close-knit, student-professor bond. Arcadia checked all of these boxes. 

You often hear incoming college freshmen or alumni say they just “had a feeling” when they decided to choose their college, and I can say it’s true. I spent the day talking to professors relative to my major, Civic Scholars, student leaders, and even some STAMPS (Study Abroad Mentorship Program) From those few conversations alone, it was clear that Arcadia’s students and staff genuinely care for each other. The campus atmosphere felt like home, and I just had a feeling it would soon become mine. 

I went home that day confident that Arcadia was the college for me, but it felt too good to be true, leading me to be stagnant in finalizing my decision. How does the first college I toured become my college decision? I was unsure if I was thinking too quickly, but I had to remind myself of the morals I had set when beginning this process. I had to trust my heart and believe I was making the right decision. There was no definitive way I could have known if Arcadia was meant for me, but I believe when your heart tells you something, you must listen to it. 

If there is anything I would take away from the college decision process, it would be to stand on your morals, trust your heart, and trust the process. What is right for you will find its way to you. You just have to be open to receiving it. My journey at Arcadia is just beginning, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store.