Inherited Influences: The environment you grow up in has a significant influence on where you decide to go to college, and that’s OK

On April 2, 2012, every eye in a crowded Johnny’s Tavern was glued to the TV. My attention, my family’s and even the waiters’ was focused on the University of Kansas Jayhawks as they played against Kentucky in the 2012 Final Four Championship. I could feel the energy radiating through every table packed with blue face paint and red pom poms — something my 8-year-old self took after naturally.

Being constantly surrounded with crimson and blue and screaming the classic “Rock Chalk Jayhawk” chant until my throat hurts has been part of life for as long as I can remember. As the daughter of two KU alumni, I’ve grown up with more Jayhawk swag than my closet could hold and spend every autumn Saturday tailgating football games. When the conversation about where I was going to spend my next four years after graduation arose, KU was the obvious choice for my safety school. 

When you grow up with parents who both attended the same college, it’s natural to want to follow in their footsteps — it’s likely the only school spirit you’ve been exposed to by the time you apply. It’s OK to attend the same college as your parents — as long as it’s because you want to, not just because they want you to.

It wasn’t until my junior year that I started considering other schools like Oklahoma University, Indiana University and University of Arkansas. Each college on my list was absolutely worth the conversation, but none compared to the ties that bound me to KU.

So when my parents said it was truly my choice in the end, it felt impossible not to choose the only school I knew and grew up loving  — I was practically raised to go there.

Despite my choice to go in-state due to a personal connection, choosing this path can have a negative connotation tied to it.

I always hear people say KU is just like high school or that it’s the “easy way out.” In our community, people think that it’s where you go when you don’t want to try to get into another school. The pressure of making a decision that will pave the road for your future endeavors is daunting enough, but only made more stressful when absorbing other people’s opinions on “the right choice” for college. 

Don’t get me wrong, I gave other colleges a chance by visiting, learning and talking to people that went to the schools I was curious about. Even though I was looking at and researching other, more desirable destinations than Kansas, nothing ever topped the energy and pride that has surrounded me all my life as a KU kid.

Some people do rely on in-state schools as a safety net or “backups,” but one of those colleges could be another person’s dream school. Planting roots in the culture and family traditions of Jayhawks at a young age has led me to develop a burning love for the school. Attending the annual KU kickoff each fall, watching parties and basketball games at the Allen Fieldhouse, I couldn’t see myself making any other college my home.

Financially, going in-state makes a lot of sense for people and they shouldn’t be taunted for wanting to make a smart, long-term decision. The distance and appealing college town also gave me that extra assurance that KU is the best decision for me. I finally stopped listening to everyone else’s opinion and listened to what my gut has been saying my whole life.

I can’t imagine one day taking my kids to anywhere but Allen Fieldhouse because I want to share my love for KU with them, just as my parents did. It isn’t a bad thing to truly embrace your roots and hold onto the pride you grew up with. However, if you are, make sure it’s your decision and no one else’s.