I’m from Stillwater, Oklahoma, a small town of 50,000 people.  Most Stillwater high school graduates stay in town and attend our local university. However, I couldn’t see myself following this path.  I loved growing up in Stillwater; it’s a small, friendly community, but I knew college was my opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and experience life outside of Oklahoma. 

Choosing a college has been the most important decision I’ve had to make in my life.  There were many considerations in choosing a college, but ultimately, I chose Canisius for the following reasons.  Canisius is a Jesuit college with a great reputation for quality education.   Classes are small enough so professors can get to know students as individuals.  

After visiting Canisius, I fell in love with the atmosphere and the friendly people, and when I learned that Canisius has a special program in Fashion Merchandising in conjunction with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, my decision was sealed.  I always knew I wanted to major in marketing and work in the fashion industry.  When I learned that I could get a bachelors degree in Marketing in three years, then attend FIT my senior year and work towards a degree in Fashion Merchandising, I thought, could this get any better! I knew I wanted to get my education at Canisius because it offers everything I want in a college. 

		Studying for exams is always more fun in a group!  Here are my friends Lindsey, Martha, Ashley and Colleen (all from Rochester, NY) studying for finals at the end of last semester.
Here I am (left) on the Quad in front of the St. Peter Canisius statue with my friends Katie from Dallas, Texas, Alaina from Williamsville, NY and Colleen from Rochester, NY.