Flowers: Small college not for everyone; make sure transferring out is for right reasons

Being at a small, private college is a much different experience than being at a state school with thousands and thousands of students. This type of environment may not be for everyone, but the experience is what you make of it.

I hear people saying all the time that there is nothing to do in Ottawa. That may be true. However, getting involved on campus and meeting diverse groups of people will make your life interesting no matter where you are.

There is an unreal number of clubs and activities on this campus and I guarantee there is something that interests everyone. It may even be something you did not realize you liked; college is all about broadening your horizons.

By joining these clubs and activities you are seeking out people who have similar interests to you, but may come from a different background. This leads to other social gatherings that will inevitably lead to a more exciting life in Ottawa.

Not only are there clubs and activities galore, but there are always events being held in the residence halls.

Several times a month there are opportunities to leave your dorm room and go socialize in the lobby doing a variety of activities.

These activities may require stepping out of your comfort zone and meeting new people, but it is worth it in the end. Being at a small school gives you the opportunity to get to know so many other students on a more personal level.

Now that we are half way through the semester some freshman may be thinking that Ottawa is not the right fit for them, but before anyone makes decisions to transfer ask yourself a few questions.

Do you not like it here because you think it's boring? If so, have you involved yourself in campus activities (not just the sport you came here to play) and made an effort to meet a variety of people? How do you think being somewhere else would solve these issues for you?

At larger college it is more difficult to get to know people that aren't in your classes, or living in your hall. You could meet someone in the student union one day and then never see them again.

Being at a school like that is like being a needle in a haystack.

For some people a larger college may be what suits their needs better. I understand everyone is different.

However, I feel like some people are giving up on Ottawa too early without putting in the effort to enjoy themselves.

If that is the case, those transferring will find that it was actually college in general that did not suit them, not Ottawa.

The people are what make being at Ottawa University so great.

If you stayed inside your bubble these past few months than you have not been making the most of your experience here. Having more diversity in your life offers a greater college experience.