Addendum: Why I'm Proud to be an Illini

I totally forgot about this in my Tuesday Musings & it is certainly blogworthy.

I've seen a lot of Quads & U of I's is UP THERE. What a beautiful spot.

I get nostalgic when school starts in the fall & wish I was back at University of Illinois. I miss Quad Day, Monday night Young Life Club, studying in the Union, the Sweet Corn festival, Curtis Orchard, running through the south farms, & even Saturdays at Memorial Stadium (I know…shocking). This article reinforced what why I am so proud to be an Illinois alum & made my heart happy for Champaign.

Recruiters Pick State Schools Over Ivies

Way to go Illinois … #3 on the WSJ’s list!

And the Big 10… 3 of the top 5 picks!
Here are the Top 25, if you're interested...

A favorite study spot of mine. Illini Union.

I think some of my high school classmates thought I was nuts for picking U of I over other some of my other college options (“You want to go where?! But that's not prestigious enough! If you’re going to go to a state school – why not UF?”), but it looks like my decision makes sense according to WSJ. 

• I got a degree (well 2, technically) from a top accounting school.
• I left school without any debt thanks to my generous parents & way more scholarship money than I was offered elsewhere (including more "prestigious" options).
• I enjoyed all of the benefits a big school has to offer.
• I had lots of job offers, apparently due to Illinois’ great relationships with recruiters (per the WSJ).
• I got a good first job, which opened the door for me to get another great job.
• I also made some pretty great friends, embraced the Champaign community & was loved back 1000 times over by some really good people, branched out beyond my comfort zone in Florida, &, of course, met my wonderful hubby.

Oh, Assembly Hall, how I miss you.

I never doubted my decision to become an Illini, & I haven’t regretted it since. Champaign holds a special place in my heart & I’m happy to see U of I getting the recognition it deserves!

Oskeewowow.

Happy memories at the Alma Mater.

{Photos courtesy of U of I. You can make them your desktop background here.}