Hail, Hail, Hail, Alma Mater.

Last fall my little sister transferred to a four-year school from her community college. As a student-athlete, she’s worked really hard on her grades and even made the President’s list for her GPA. {Insert SUPER PROUD sister moment here.}

I laugh, because between high school and college, we completely switched roles. Once upon a time I LOVED school, and while deep down that never really changed, my college grades didn’t not reflect that sentiment very often. Janci on the otherhand, was a good student in high school but she didn’t love it like me. Who knows if she actually LOVES school now, but she’s sure working hard, and it’s paying off.

Over this last semester I’ve been trying to help out in any way I can. My virtual red pen has been lighting up her papers and when finals week rolled I dished on all of my old tried and true studying skills. I joked one day that all of this talk about college stress, studying and late nights ALMOST made me miss it all.

Because let’s be honest, I don’t think there is a single thing that I would change about my college experience. None of the all-nighters, failed tests, tears, pointless classes, uncertainty, rejection, TEARS or sleep-deprived antics. None of it. Because walking across that stage to receive my degree, from Kansas State University was worth it. That, and the experience and memories made along the way. I’ve said it a million and one times, but as a stubborn, bright-eyed 18-year old I could have never predicted how my decision to move 1,700 miles away from home to attend K-State, would be the best decision I could have ever made for myself.

My college experience was what everyone deserves to have. A place that embraces you, before you’ve even made up your mind about it. A world that pushes you toward growing up into who you’re meant to be and challenges you to stray from your narrow, safe way of thinking – but provides plenty of cushioning for you to not get it right the first time. An environment that provides plenty of fun. The purple-shouting kind, the boot-stomping kind, the lazy weekend kind, and even a little of the questionable kind. An education that gives you more than you need and helps you figure out exactly where your place is. A family of mentors, to dish out a lot of tough love, but mostly just love. A family of life-long friends to share all of it with.

It’s been almost two years since I graduated from Kansas State University. And while I think I’ll pass on those all-nighters in the “Harry Potter room” at Hale Library, I sure do miss it all sometimes.

All of this is my cheesy, long-winded way of sharing that I recently became a  Lifetime Member of the K-State Alumni Association. I’m thankful for my experience and proud to be an alumna, and for me, this was an important way for me to make that statement. I couldn’t say all of that though, without mentioning that without the support of my grandparents, I wouldn’t have been able to do this yet. I might be biased, but this is one the best kinds of Christmas there is. Thanks Grammy and Grampy, for understanding how important this was to me.

And with that I think we can all agree (all Wildcats at least,) that the license plate it pretty rad.

“I know a spot that I love full well, ‘Tis not in forest nor yet in dell, ever it holds me with magic spell, I think of thee Alma Mater. KSU, we’ll carry the banner high, KSU long, long may thy colors fly. Loyal you to thee thy children will swell the cry. Hail, Hail, Hail Alma Mater.”