U101 feat. Dr. Hickey

When it came to deciding where I was going to go to college, I had really narrowed it down to two options: George Mason and USC (and a school in London, but I heard that I got accepted after I had made my deposit... lameness.... except I'm glad to be at USC). I was really happy to get accepted to both, and at first, Mason was edging out USC: I was in love with the campus, it's near DC, my brother already went there, and I was even invited into Mason's Honors College! Mason: 4, USC: 0.

Then I came to USC and saw the campus. Mason: 4, USC: 1.

Then I got a scholarship from USC for a lot of money... GMU offered me nothing. Mason: 4, USC: 2.

Then I got invited into the Capstone Program (which I really, really wanted to get into). Mason: 4, USC: 3.

Then I realized that the campus would shudder to a halt at the threat of half an inch of snow... HA!: Mason: 4, USC: 4.

Finally, I got more emails and felt excessively wanted by USC. Oh, and Mason is a basketball school with a terrible football team while USC is a football school with a basketball team that beat Kentucky last year... Mason: 4, USC: 5.5. (I say '.5' because sports weren't really too big of a deciding factor. I am a tennis/soccer person, personally.)

People always asked me why I applied to USC... I literally have no clue and cannot remember why I ever was interested in the school. Now people ask me why I chose USC, and I definitely know the answer.

ANYWAY all of that was to show that Capstone was a large part of the reason as to why I came to USC. I had high expectations for the program, and I must say I enjoy it a lot. It was definitely nice to feel involved in something right away on campus. It's a program with the label of having the 'really smart kids', but, unlike the Honor's Residence, we are also known for having fun. Capstone forces me to get involved outside of academic activities without taking much time away from studying or homework. Also, did I mention the larger dorm rooms? I absolutely love that.

Most of my friends on campus come from Capstone, and I doubt I would have met them had I not decided to accept my invitation into the program. They are perhaps what I enjoy most about the program. The first social event I went to felt awkward, but it was there that I actually formed a stronger friendship with a few kids as we all stood around wondering '...how long do we have to stay?'. I'm sure next time we will go together and not have that awkward feeling.

My least favorite part of living in Capstone is that it has the... slowest... elevators... on... earth... But I can live with that. That's why they have the staircase.

Being honest, while I had high expectations for the program coming in, I am not entirely sure what those expectations were. I expected to make friends, live in an environment with a priority of doing well both academically and for others, and to have an overall enjoyable experience. I would have to say that, overall, those expectations have been met. Maybe I expected more things the all people are required to attend at one time? However, I am not complaining, because if that were the case, that would be one expectation I would be complaining about. I know there are certain things we have to do every semester, but I like having the ability to choose when I do them.

I suppose that is all for now!!

Holland