Bustling hallways, brand new books, dirty looks. I grew up in a small town. The kind of town where you can’t cross the street without a wave or a hello.

The streets are abandoned after 8 p.m. Just a cool summer breeze sweeping through the old oaks and historic homes.

USI is full of thousands of interesting people. Of all races, heights and beliefs foreign to my childhood. Immediately swimming with the fishes of the other students, like a salmon taking its journey up a stone covered stream, I followed other fresh freshmen here for knowledge, new friends and a little partying. I found USI to be both difficult to live at yet comforting and relaxing at the same time.

Some students worked hard to get here, others used their parent’s money and flashy cars and clothes to flaunt their enormous egos.

I choose the less traveled route, I didn’t room with someone I knew from high school. I went random. I threw myself into a larger culture without restraint. Since I’m shy and do not enjoy boring superficial conversations I jumped from one group to the next. Most often alone and happy, I found some new friends and some faces from the past.

College is a great time for teenagers to look around and find what they want to do in there adult lives. I’m still searching for my calling as many wondering backpacks and briefcases are. I think USI is the perfect place to find yourself.

The extensive landscape and architecture provide inspiration between classes, and The Loft is a great place to eat a huge plate of cheesey fries and endless Code Red Mt. Dew.

So far the professors have been kind, caring and often funny. They seem to relate to us despite the age gape.

To me USI is huge, to others it is small. All I know is each day it has been getting a little brighter.