In August of my first year at the University of Oklahoma, I did not know a single person. This is because it is a tradition and unsaid expectation in my home state of Georgia to attend the University of Georgia. All my high school friends were having the time of their lives back home, and I was sitting in my Adams Tower room with roommates I barely knew, wondering if I made the right decision. Looking back on those first few weeks of college as a senior, I am so grateful that I stuck to my commitment to OU, which is now my home away from home. This is the exact same story I tell our first-year residents who come to me as their resident advisor, worried that choosing a big state school wasn't the right choice. I tell them this story to show that there are so many students who experience the exact fears and concerns and that they are not as alone as they feel. I hope to remind them that even though college, especially a four-year institution, may seem scary and lonely at first, it will truly be some of the best four, five, or even six, years of their life.
When I told my friends and family that OU was where I wanted to go, they were confused. I was constantly defending the amazing things OU had done for me before I had even committed. Compared to the other 10 schools that I applied to, which were closer to home, OU was the only school that genuinely wanted me there as much as I wanted to go. OU also gave me significant amounts of individual support, whereas the other colleges I had applied to made me feel as if I was just a number in the admissions process. During my campus tour, I saw more than just the picturesque campus, I also met incredible academics and impressive students that I now consider my close friends and mentors. So, despite the comments I would hear, I knew what I wanted out of my college experience and what I needed as a student, and that OU was the absolute right place for me to achieve those dreams.
Over the last three years, OU has continued to prove to me that this place is perfect for me to grow as a student, professional, and person. The academics, research, and courses that I have access to here at OU are a unique experience, unlike anything I could've anticipated. My professors are some of the most published and experienced academics in their field, and yet they are so down-to-earth and supportive of my interests and goals. One of my favorite classes I have taken, Law and Globalization, was also taught by a faculty member that has helped me and the future of my career in countless instances. Dr. de Sa E Silva has written over 10 letters of recommendation for me, which has allowed me to receive multiple scholarships and even an internship with the Department of State. This internship is a direct pathway to my dream career as a Foreign Service Officer, and with one simple letter of recommendation, Dr. de Sa E Silva has changed my life forever. This dedication and support from faculty toward students is something I experience every day, and without that kindness and generosity, I would not have been able to succeed.
OU gives me the space, resources, and opportunities to create my dream college experience, and I have accomplished so much more than I ever could've imagined. When I wanted to create my own unique study abroad experience in Rome, Italy that would prepare me for a career in international relations, OU helped me find a program that was right for me. My study abroad advisors and the financial aid center here on campus helped me cover the cost with scholarships and ensured that I would be safe and successful, while also getting credit for the classes I took and the international internship that I had the opportunity to work at. These credits counted towards the dual degree that OU also helped me plan and execute, and with that extra support from my advisors and administration, I will be graduating this May with not one, but two degrees from OU.
All the successes and experiences I have had here on OU’s campus would not have been possible without the consistent support I receive from students, faculty, and staff. I knew that when I made my college decision, I wanted a campus filled with people who wanted to see me succeed and would help me with all of the steps along the way, and that is absolutely what OU has done for me. I am so grateful for the people who have made my college experience so memorable and have helped me find my place here at the University of Oklahoma.
Best,
Angelora Castellano
