“The College Decision”
Ever since pondering the idea of attending college, The
University of Georgia has been my dream school. I was always talking, writing,
thinking, and dreaming about the school, city, football, mascot, and more.
However, since growing up and realizing that every college has its own fun and its
own extracurricular activities, I discovered that I only liked Georgia for
their athletics, mascot, and colors. Although their Business Program is
nationally ranked and their Risk Management and Insurance program is ranked #1
in the entire country, I've seen students graduate from the most prestigious programs
and work an "average" job with an "average" salary. On the
other hand, I have witnessed people earn 6-figure and even 9-figure salaries
from universities that are generalized as party schools or poorly educated
universities.
It has taken time, effort, and a significant amount of
patience to choose where I will attend college these next four years. After
applying to 14 schools, I thought I would never have enough time to narrow down
my choices. After much research, phone calls, and open house tours, I was able to
condense my choices down to Georgia, NC State, High Point, Wilmington, and
George Mason. Then, I chose to visit again and research some more. However, I
only managed to narrow down my choices to three; UGA, NC State, and High Point.
This past month has been hectic. Many adults have told me to attend High Point.
Students say Georgia. Other adults say NC State. I had no answer because so
many opinions were thrown into my mind. Each person had their own reasoning behind
the motive of attending one of the three schools still remaining on my list.
I had no direction of where to go next, except to continue
researching. But over the past two weeks, I have begun to understand that
research only helps so much. Determining where one should attend college cannot
be answered by a calculator, research, our friends, or even by our own parents.
The decision on where to attend college is made by the one who will be in the
classroom for the next four or more years. All I could think of doing was
praying to God asking Him for guidance and signs that He may provide me with.
Signs began to illuminate in my life. They were not direct signals from God,
but rather they were indirect messages. The indirect signs I received from God
facilitated my understanding on why I am attending college and what college is
truly for. There were so many factors that I have analyzed; retention rates,
graduation rates, job placement rates, course offerings, networking options, clubs,
and more. I discovered that I needed to choose a college that fit my
personality, goals, aspirations, and dreams.
After touring The University of Georgia and attending a
football game, I thought I had found my school. After visiting NC State, I
found a place that I could see myself attending. But my final tour was at High
Point University. I felt the presence of people who shared the same goals as
me. I found myself admiring the words coming out of Nido Qubein's voice because
he talked about "being the ONE", "Making a difference",
"Not being average" and "Chasing your dreams." I felt
connected to everything he spoke on and I felt that High Point could be THE school
for me. I chose to place a deposit at the conclusion of the Open House on April
17th at High Point University, but while on my drive home I felt that
I wanted to attend NC State or Georgia.
After intense thought on my own and many nights in bed
not being able to sleep because all I could think about was which college to
attend, I came to a final answer. I recognized that I had been thinking wrong
the entire time. I had been thinking about what I wanted and not what I needed.
I wanted parties, Game Day football, tailgating while wearing scarlet red and
black, and a school with credentials. But I finally understood that what I needed
was an education that focused on experiencing and networking. I don't need an
education at an institution where people attend for the purpose of its
credentials and use it as a label. I want to apply myself and become the ONE
who makes a difference and continue to be someone who is not
"average". After much thought, conversations, and prayers I have officially declared my commitment
to attend High Point University.
I have the opportunity to attend a
University where students thrive in an inspiring environment. I am confident
that I will receive an education different from any other institution because
High Point focuses on experiential learning, not memorization of textbooks. I
have found my new home for the next four years and I am beyond blessed. Through
all of the challenges in the past year with my family, I am proud to see where
everything has ended up. My parents, my sister, and I have ways been close but
since the divorce of my parents, we have grown farther apart in some aspects,
but we have also learned how to adapt and cherish the time we have with one
another. My mother and father have taught me more than I can imagine and my
sister has been there for me since day one always supporting my dreams. My
grandpa has been an inspiration for me to stay away from drugs and to focus on
being a successful man. I owe everything to God because He chose to place me in
this world and He has given me a chance to accomplish anything I desire. I have
such a supportive group of friends and family and I am truly fortunate. I
cannot explain how blessed I am, but I would like to thank everyone for the
guidance, support, and wisdom over the past 18 years. I have many goals,
dreams, and plans for my future and I am confident that High Point University
will provide me with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that will
enable me to be a successful business man, adult, and human-being.
-Austin McClain Baker
Austin Baker
Twitter: @ABakerPresident
Blog Email:
DreamsDriveDetermination@gmail.com
Owner Email:
Austin.Baker25@yahoo.com
Dreams, Drive, Determination
