Choosing a college close to home is a faux pas, let me tell you. Everyone always told me, “UT Martin is the 13th-grade around here.”
I remember my senior year saying, “I’m NOT even going to apply to UT Martin.”
And I didn’t.
March of my senior year rolled around, and I still didn’t know where I was going to college.
*Typical me*
I had applied to big schools where I thought I would belong. If you know me now, you know I definitely was not made for a big school.
My mom forced me to apply to UT Martin, just as a backup, in case I got my feet too wet. Little did I know I was actually on my way to being underwater.
Fast forward to August and I’m moving to Martin.
Don’t worry, I’m floating!
For financial reasons, I decided to put on the navy and orange cap and take my academic talents to the University of Tennessee at Martin. When it came down to it, it was a no-brainer. I could have spent five digits A YEAR to go to a big school, OR I could go to a school close to home for a much better value. I’m totally not saying pick the cheapest college and forget the others, but when I had the choice of similar degrees between a four-year big school and a four-year school close to home, I knew what I wanted out of my collegiate experience.
I have gotten to experience so many learning possibilities at UT Martin through my department of study! I am a Health and Human Performance major, and I have been blessed to learn with some of the best professors on campus. The classroom size and learning experiences are remarkable at UT Martin. My professors are so personable, and they challenge and help me learn the advancements in my field of study as they happen. My professors know me, and not just because I sit in the front row. The professors at UT Martin are some of the brightest and kindest people you’ll find on a college campus.
I would not trade my experience within my department at UT Martin for anything! I have been blessed with so many opportunities at UT Martin, and I have been able to become involved in so many different aspects of campus. From honors societies to Greek life to departmental clubs, I am so thankful that I chose UT Martin. I get to experience the benefits of a 4-year school within the comfort of my hometown.
Most people tell me that I’ve shorted myself by going to UT Martin, but I look at them like they have four heads because I have been able to accomplish so much at my little hometown school. UTM has helped me grow and learn who I am. The atmosphere that I have been blessed to be a part of has molded me into a hardworking student. I have been able to take advantage of my learning environment and graduate with my undergraduate degree in three years. Although I will not be holding on and staying my fourth year, the college experience was worth it.
Going to school close to home is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love getting to spend time with my family, and it’s possible to do that when I’m a forty-five-minute drive from home. UT Martin is far enough, but not too far. It is personal, but not too small.
The 13th-grade has proven to be the perfect college setting for me. I have gotten the college experience close to home at a small town university, and I’m totally happy with my decision.
13th-grade stigma, you have been cut.
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