My Family’s Legacy – University of Nebraska

The Last School on the List

Of course, that wasn’t always my mindset. 

There was a time when I was committed to going down a different path than my parents. As a 15-year-old at the time, I just wanted to do my own thing, you know?

The distance was also an issue. I’m from North Carolina, and Nebraska is in the middle of the country—in the Midwest. I’d never been out so far, and I had no idea what to expect being on my own in a completely different state.

Just a sort of nervousness of the unknown, honestly.

So I went on all of my recruiting trips, and finally, inevitably, I concluded the process with Nebraska being the last school on that list. Looking back, I guess you really could say I saved the best for last!

After spending all of that time thinking about other schools, I visited Nebraska and absolutely fell in love with the place.

I just remember thinking to myself, “No way, this is really happening right now.”

I know what it’s like to go on trips, and you’re kind of just dragging your feet along with no real two-way connection. But it was nothing like that in my visit to Nebraska. I decided to come here because I felt wanted, and quite frankly, I just felt like I belonged.

At the time, I don’t think I really understood or appreciated how much my parents did for me. They took the time, money and effort to take me from school to school without trying to influence my decision the least bit. 

Everything was in my power and control on where I wanted to go.

I visited here last, and I know it made them proud when I ultimately made the decision to sign. They have so many friends and colleagues here that I refer to as my Lincoln parents. Having people looking out for me really helps with the distance thing, too.