Choosing a college was probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. Throughout my senior year, it was a running joke between me, my friends, and even my teachers that I would never commit anywhere. But here I am, three weeks into my first semester at St. Bonaventure, and I honestly wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
For most of my senior year, I never really considered St. Bonaventure as a school I wanted to attend. I applied last fall, just to have another option on my list. I remember the day I got my acceptance email from Bonaventure. It was the first school I heard back from, and it felt like such a relief to finally have that initial acceptance. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. At the time, I had no idea that this acceptance would eventually lead me where I am today.
My Aunt Colleen and my cousin Jackie both attended St. Bonaventure; my cousin graduated in 2024. In March of my senior year, my aunt and I went out to dinner, and I was telling her how stressed and frustrated I was with myself for still not knowing where I wanted to go. She suggested that she take me on a tour of Bonaventure. My immediate response was, “I really don’t think I want to go there.” However, she convinced me by offering a day when I could skip school and go to lunch with her. And who doesn’t love a little mental health day?
When I visited a few days later, I immediately felt welcomed. I could see how the small size of the school created a genuine sense of community. As we walked around, I noticed that multiple people were saying hello to my tour guide. It was such a small thing, but it stood out to me. Even though it was freezing outside, people were still smiling, talking, and holding the door for each other.
That visit completely changed the way I viewed Bonaventure. I started to realize that maybe college wasn’t about finding the farthest-away school and escaping people from my hometown. Maybe it was about finding a place where I felt comfortable and could see myself growing.
Now, almost a month into my time at St. Bonaventure, I am so grateful that I gave it a chance. I have already met amazing people and have made new memories that I’ll cherish forever. It’s funny to think that I once told my friends and family that I didn’t want to go here. What started as an extra application and a day off from school ended up becoming the place I now call home.