WHY I LOVE ATHENS

I know most of you reading this have probably never even heard of Athens, Ohio. I had honestly never heard of it either until I was a Senior in high school and actually started applying to universities. As someone from Indiana, I knew at the very least that I wanted to get OUT of the state… Thinking I was going to end up one state over in Ohio, still in the midwest, was the last thing on my mind.

I mean like literally, right next to each other. Anyways, after applying to 15 schools, getting accepted into 14, narrowing them down, going on a couple college visits, I FINALLY landed on none other than Ohio University.

Please allow me to indulge you on just what makes Athens so different and unique. There was something about the atmosphere when I visited for the first time with my parents; I even said “It feels different here… theres a vibe”. Everywhere I looked there was a group of different people laying out on blankets (it was warm outside), and no one seemed clique-y which is a HUGE step up from high school. It was the most warm welcome I had gotten on any college visit. I had no Idea about the history or traditions of this school; I really didn’t know anything about it at all, only from what I physically saw on the visit. But my, oh my, are there countless traditions, holidays, festivals, and weekend events that make Ohio truly the best school, in my biased opinion.

As you can tell by the pictures I added, I am not for out of state at all. That being said, I am still about 4 hours away, but typically 3.5 hours. The drive is a simplistic route with scenic rural and urban areas. I am the type of driver that does NOT like to stop on long drives, even to use the bathroom. Not for any other reason than wanting to get the my destination ASAP. When I am on campus, it pretty much feels like the entire town of Athens is basically OU’s campus. That means that everything that a college student could possibly need is in a 10 minute radius. What more could you ask for, especially for someone like me who is out-of-state and overwhelmed initially. Sooooo cheesy, I know, but it truly is a home away from home.

WHAT I DO HERE

90% of what I just said was about how and why I love Athens, Ohio so much. Let me tell you what is that I actually do here (both academically and recreationally lol). I am a JUNIOR in college at Ohio University, which is absolutely crazy think about. I am a double major studying International Business and Marketing with certificates in Consumer Research and Sales. A mouthful, I know. It would be longer if I had time to get a minor in Italian four years of undergrad.

Here are some of the things I am a part of on campus: Consumer Research Analytics as a research fellow, Ohio Women In Business as the VP of Diversity & Inclusion, Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity as an active brother, and The Ralph and Lucy Schey Sales Center as an active member. *takes a deep breathe* Yes, it is actually manageable. In my free time I am spending time writing, cooking, trying to be creative, with friends, at org. events, you name it.

Ohio University is known iconically for its traditions and events. For example OU’s infamous “HallOUweekend”, “Fest Season”, and “hOUmecoming”. Every single weekend there is an event like this everyone invites all of their friends into town to go out for the night. Court Street, the main street in uptown Athens, has around 13 bars on that street alone. Some, but not all, of those being my favorites like: Stephens, Crystal, and Pig Skin. The overall school spirit that oozes from the campus, students, and even locals that live here, is something that keeps me attached to Athens. There will probably never be a reason for you to come to Athens, Ohio for any reason, but if the chances align and you do, I know you’ll love it too.