Characteristics I Love About Fordham University

Characteristics I Love About Fordham University

This Spring break, I made the decision to deposit at Fordham University for the upcoming Fall semester. I narrowed down my decision between Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. Although Villanova may garner a more academically rigorous reputation, I chose Fordham for reasons that I found more appealing. However, Fordham is duly prestigious, being known as the "Jesuit University of New York" and ranks amongst other Jesuit institutions, such as Georgetown and Boston College.

I first found out about Fordham from my father, who attended the university three times, as he likes to refer to himself as a "Triple Ram." I used to visit Fordham when I was little, and although I do remember enjoying the beautiful campus, I never even questioned going there for my undergraduate degree while growing up. Like buying a new house or a new car, the first model that you look at is usually not the one you purchase. However, during my college searches these past two years, I discovered a lot of attributes that I fell in love with about Fordham University that transcended this theory.

Of course, attending the school that my father, as well as my older brother and best friend, also attended gives me an advanced insight for the school in general. With this, having my best friend there is a really joyful convenience as well. However, I feel that I must make the effort to clarify that those are not the underlying group of reasons why I want to attend Fordham over an institution such as Villanova. Thus, not having a friend or family basis at a school is not a "deal-breaker," but it is rather an extra bonus on the already wonderful experience that embodies Fordham University.

For instance, one of these favorite ideals that I love about Fordham University is the unique aspect of being able to utilize direct transportation from the Bronx to Manhattan via the school's famous "Ram Van." In addition, I could take the New York City Subway, which runs all throughout the city and can be accessed just a block from Fordham itself.

While visiting my friend, Nicole, at Fordham last weekend, I was able to take the Subway from the Bronx to Times Square in Manhattan, and see Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston in "All the Way." At Villanova, I would probably be able to attend a show in Philadelphia; however, it would most likely not be the capacity of star power and acting ability that Broadway has to offer. In my personal opinion, I value this cultural experience higher than Villanova's prestigious academic reputation.

Since my parents are native New Yorkers, it will finally be interesting to be given the opportunity to live there. Having lived in Illinois, Connecticut, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire, I have already trudged through the many cultural backgrounds of each state has to offer. Although much of my family resides in New York, since I never technically lived in New York, I am extremely enthused to finally draw connections to the experiences similar to my parents.

Overall, I'm glad that I selected to attend a school that was duly academically challenging and culturally engaging. Because of this, I am excited to channel my inlet at Fordham University for a place to discover my home.