There Is No Place Like ... Kansas State!

Photo by: Shannon Krueger

In light of the K-State vs. Nebraska game tonight -- and because I'm stuck at home doing laundry and dishes instead of cheering on the Cats in person -- I think it's particularly relevant to talk about Wildcat Pride.

While I can't be in Bill Snyder Family Stadium tonight, just seeing the cameras pan over the roaring crowd fills me with warm fuzzies of my time as a student. I have been so fortunate to feel that same feeling walking on campus again this week. It feels notably different, as I'm not sporting jeans and a backpack, and quite obviously no longer look like a student. But the warmth and family atmosphere is still there.

Let me preface any further thoughts by saying: Yes. I was once an intern and later a grad student at Nebraska. I spent summer 2002 in the IANR news office and returned as a grad assistant in fall 2003. I have 9 credit hours in distance education, college teaching methods and rural development that I transferred in to my master's in mass communication at K-State. Long story short, I wanted to specialize in rural development, but the courses I needed were only offered every couple of semesters. It would have taken forever to take all four courses. Looking back, I should have stuck around, but that's another story.

Photo by: Shannon Krueger

So I transferred back to K-State, got married and started working at my alma mater. However, had I spent more time at Nebraska, I think I might have developed a similar fondness for the university. They still have a sweet spot in my heart, so it makes it easier to control the normal hostility most Wildcats have for our historically powerhouse football neighbors up north. I may have to rescind this statement ... as Nebraska just scored their first touchdown and "There Is No Place Like Nebraska" is blaring. I'll let it slide since I now have four friends from high school residing in the Cornhusker state. Note: Although I was a student, I managed to avoid purchasing any red clothing.

Wherever you're from, there is an air of excitement and pride that seems to emanate from college campuses. It's a strange sensation, but once you experience it, you'll never be the same. All rivalries set aside, I'm quite blessed to have had this experience in more than one place.

During my first few years after graduation, I was working at the K-State Alumni Association while also in grad school. Even though I was technically still a student and spent every day on campus, I noticed something very different about how I felt. I had almost a feeling of homesickness, like perhaps I had lost something very important to me. It seemed that life-after-undergrad could never be as exhilarating. I was deeply downhearted, fearing that the glory days of my life had passed.

It took working off-campus to help me bring that back into perspective. As time passes I'm learning that there's more than being a carefree student. While it was a fantastic experience, I now realize what a blessing it is to have some stability and the ability to plan instead of year-to-year, semester-to-semester uncertainty (not to mention the scary "What will I do after graduation?" question).

Instead of feeling homesick, I feel energized and proud to be an alum, and particularly blessed to be done with that portion of my life. Granted, I've strongly considered a Ph.D., but that, too, is another story. True, things are different as an alumnae. But finally, while walking the corridors of Waters Hall, I can look back with fond memories and gratitude that I'm not studying for a midterm -- instead of feeling that my life was only complete as a student.

No doubt, college makes an immense impact in one's life. While Cody and I differ on our approach to higher education, I strongly contend that our kids should thoroughly consider a four-year degree because of some of the experiences you gain. Nothing against technical school (which Cody attended and gained a quite prosperous career from), but I can't imagine missing out on all the experiences I had as a student. I met some of my closest friends, gained a career path, broadened my outlook and became part of a huge family. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

So, win or lose tonight, the Wildcat Nation is loyal, loud and proud. It's easy to be a fan of any college team, but there's a significant component missing from that pride if you haven't ever set foot on campus. I'm fortunate to have experienced the real deal at K-State, and it's exciting to meet others who can say the same. I make a point to wear K-State clothing whenever I travel, because you never know where you'll meet another Wildcat. After all, once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. Go State!

Photo by: Shannon Krueger