I grew up in a very small town called Udall, Kansas where I graduated with a class of 26 classmates. 14 of those students I had attended school with since we were in Pre-K. Growing up in a small town means that you know everyone and they know you, which makes for a very close-knit community.

Leaving my tiny town to come to OU was a huge step in my life. Kids from small towns in Kansas (that decide to pursue higher education) either end up at a local community college or one of the big state schools like Kansas, Kansas State or Wichita State. For me not to attend any of these places, and also leave the state was something that did not happen very often in my hometown. Going from a town of 750 people to a university that has over 4000 in one class was one of the scariest decisions I’ve made. That being said, my decision to attend OU has been one of the greatest choices I have made in my life.

Yes, OU is a decently large campus with thousands of students, however it has the small town feel I am used to. OU seeks to make everyone feel like they are a part of a community. There are hundreds of different groups for students to join and lots of activities to make students feel at home. Many of my classes only have 30 other students in them, and that means having a closer relationship with not only my classmates but also with my professors. There are even resources such as Project Threshold that will help you with any problems you may have, whether it is classes, papers, time management and anything else you may need.

If you are from a small town and are worried that if you attend OU you will get lost in the vastness of it all, stop worrying. OU is a community that strives to make sure all of its students feel at home. Everyone here is looking out for you and wants what is best for you. There is only one Oklahoma, but there are thousands of Sooners who are here for you.

Jarek Brill

Religious Studies, Senior

Udall, Kansas