Why Auburn Was the Right Choice

When I first came to Auburn, I wasn’t planning on falling in love with it. During busy weeks, it is easy to reduce Auburn to deadlines, canvas notifications, and sleep deprivation. But in the midst of all the chaos, it is worth pausing to remember why so many of us chose to spend our college career here, and why Auburn continues to be ranked #1 for the happiest students. 

Auburn Sports

Being an Auburn fan isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. I grew up a die-hard Alabama fan. Every Saturday, my entire family sat in front of the TV cheering for every win and laughing at every Auburn loss. Don’t hate me for saying this, but it’s easy being an Alabama fan… at least easier than being an Auburn fan at times. My dad always talked about Jordan-Hare being haunted, and I didn’t fully understand what he meant until I experienced it for myself. I had been to countless Alabama games in Bryant-Denny, but the energy in Jordan-Hare was different. Even Nick Saban once said, “That place is haunted,” and after one night game in Auburn, I knew exactly why. There’s something about the crowd, the traditions, and the belief that anything can happen that makes Auburn sports so special.

That same energy carries beyond football. I never grew up a basketball fan, but Auburn basketball changed that. It was the first sport that gave me the same adrenaline rush as football, only with a little more consistency in the win column. The atmosphere in Neville Arena is electric, and it feels like the entire student section is locked in from start to finish. In the spring, Auburn sports take on a different kind of beauty. There’s nothing better than spending a warm afternoon at a baseball or softball game, enjoying the sunshine and the sense of community that comes with it. Auburn gymnastics brings a whole new level of excitement, showcasing talent, teamwork, and passion in every meet. From football to basketball to baseball, softball, gymnastics, and beyond, Auburn sports aren’t just about competition, they’re about community, pride, and showing up for each other no matter the outcome.

The Auburn Family

More than anything else, the people are what make Auburn special. From the moment I stepped on campus, it was clear that kindness here is normal, not forced. 'War Eagle' isn’t just a greeting, it’s an invitation. My mom always told me to surround myself with people I want to be like, and at Auburn, I immediately saw that reflected on campus. I saw people supported by their community, driven by purpose, and encouraged by a school that genuinely wants its students to succeed. Since choosing Auburn, I continue to see those same qualities in the new people I meet every day.

Because of the people here, Auburn quickly became more than just a school, it became a second family. It’s the people I lean on when I need support and the ones who cheer the loudest during my wins. They make even the hardest weeks feel a little lighter. At Auburn, no one truly feels like a stranger, and I genuinely believe that anyone here would step up in a time of need. Auburn doesn’t just create successful students, it creates good people.

Auburn Traditions

There is something about Auburn that is hard to put into words, but impossible not to feel. I remember my first time on campus for a tour, I was set on hating it because I thought I wanted to go to Alabama, but Auburn wouldn’t let me. Walking down Haley, there was a constant flow of 'War Eagle' from every direction, and in that moment, it felt like everyone belonged. That same feeling is something I continue to experience almost every day at Auburn.

Auburn’s traditions are what make that feeling timeless, connecting generations of students through shared moments and experiences. One of my favorite traditions is Hey Day. What began as a day to welcome students returning from World War II back into the Auburn community has grown into an annual tradition that continues to unite students year after year. My first Hey Day, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but over the past three years it has become a day I genuinely look forward to, a reminder of the pride and connection that define Auburn.

Another tradition that perfectly captures the Auburn spirit is rolling Toomer’s Corner. It isn’t just a celebration, but a shared experience that brings the entire community together. What makes it so special is that it isn’t reserved for one sport or one team, it celebrates every Auburn win. These traditions remind me that Auburn is more than a campus, it’s a community rooted in history, pride, and belonging. That unmistakable Auburn feeling is what makes this place unforgettable and why it continues to feel like home.

Auburn is special because it shows up for its students in every way, through the highs and lows of sports, through the people who become family, and through traditions that connect generations. It’s a place that teaches you to care deeply, stay loyal, and show up for others. No matter how stressful a week may be, I am grateful Auburn is where I get to experience it. So whether this was your final semester at Auburn or you’re just beginning your journey here, take time to appreciate the people, the moments, and the place that makes Auburn what it is. Never forget how lucky we are to call it home. War Eagle!

Be Well, Auburn.