I chose Lycoming College for a lot of reasons, but the biggest one is that it feels like home. My mom went to Lycoming, so I grew up hearing about the campus long before I ever set foot on it. She always talked about how the professors actually cared and how the college pushed her in ways that mattered. I didn’t really understand what she meant until I went there myself for Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week in 2024. That week changed everything for me. I remember walking around campus and thinking, “I could see myself here.” For the first time, college felt less like an abstract plan and more like a reality. Lycoming is small, and that’s exactly what I want. I’ve always done my best in places where people know each other and where you’re not just another student in a huge lecture hall. Most of the things I’ve done in high school — scorekeeping, accompanying the choir, being Class President — are roles where people rely on me to show up and do things well. I like being in a community where everyone knows each other and has the opportunity to contribute.That’s why a smaller college appeals to me. I want professors who learn my name and classmates I actually get to know. Another reason Lycoming makes sense for me is its liberal arts approach. While I know I want to study Actuarial Science, I'm equally excited about exploring subjects that complement it. I'm interested in taking business and economics courses because understanding how organizations make financial decisions will make me a stronger actuary and give me a broader perspective on the industry. At the same time, I hope to continue participating in music. Piano and choir have been some of the most meaningful parts of my life, and I don't want to leave them behind just because I'm pursuing a challenging major. My academic work has always challenged me to think analytically, while music has challenged me to think creatively and expressively. I like that I will not have to choose between the two while also working towards my goals. After graduation, I want to become an actuary, especially in the health insurance field. I like the idea of working in a career where accuracy and consistency matter — where the work you do affects real people. Eventually, I hope to return to my family’s farm. I don't plan to make farming my career, but I would love to live there one day and help preserve the property for future generations. A stable career as an actuary will give me the opportunity to do that. Lycoming feels like the right place for me academically, personally, and even emotionally. My mom introduced me to it years ago, but PFEW gave me the chance to discover the college for myself. I chose it because it felt like the place where I could become a dependable professional and a lifelong learner.