Choosing Harding University turned out to be one of the best choices I ever made. Originally, I was drawn to it because it's just a short drive (105 miles) from Memphis, where I grew up. Searcy, Arkansas, where Harding University is located is a comfortable small town of just about 20,000. It's easy to get around in and everyone is friendly. It's just 50 miles to Little Rock, if you want a night out on a bigger town.

From the very start, Harding University staff and faculty went out of their way to make me feel at home. The admissions department staff was very helpful and I don't know what I would have done with out help from the financial aid department. They made the paperwork easy. Once I got started the student affairs team was always there for me when I had questions. The faculty members are outstanding, they really do care about your education. I enjoyed talking with them after class or during their office hours. The campus is large, but not large enough to get lost in, and the price is right. I got a great education for a good price.

I also got help with career decisions and job placement, which these days is almost as important as your education. At first I was concerned that the school is affiliated with the Church of Christ, and I'm not a member. I found out fast that it was OK, no one was pushy about their religion and I could join in worship if I wanted to or not, it was up to me. I made a lot of really great friends and joined the Thundering Herd Marching Band. There are lots of ways to meet people and make friends on campus, and with over 6,000 students, there is always someone new to meet.

I attended the one and only Harding University in the Fall of 1997. I had just graduated college and chose to go to this small and unique school because a lot of my friends were going. I chose to begin my studies in the International Business Program. The program was phenomenal, and I found a great mentor among my first set of professors first semester. At first I really liked Harding because the town is very quiet and nestled 45 minutes north of Little Rock. I enjoyed meeting new people and being away from home. It was my first time away. Because this was my first time away, I got into a little trouble. I was a smoker back then and I was caught out in town smoking. I had to report to the dean. I guess that is what I didn\'t like about that school. This experience did not prepare me for my future because I rarely went to class. I pretty much failed all my classes my first semester. That was my only semester there. I will always remember my time at Harding University.