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Rupal patel

Growing up in Downingtown, PA, I never thought I would have gone to a school in a metropolitan city like Philadelphia.

There is such a vast difference between Philadelphia and my quiet suburban hometown of Downingtown with family farms, acres of greenery and local shops. While searching for colleges my senior year, I originally wanted to go somewhere that was similar to my hometown and within my comfort zone, which meant cities were out of the question. It wasn't until I spoke with my high school algebra teacher, a Temple alum, that I started to become slightly interested to learn more about Temple University, but still hesitant about the idea of moving to such a large city.

By the time spring break had hit, I still had not decided on which school I was going to attend. My parents, who at this time had become frustrated with my indecision of choosing schools, convinced me to visit Temple before completely dismissing city schools. So I thought why not, at least they'll stop badgering me if I give it a try and visit.

I didn't realize how wrong I was about the city until I stepped foot on campus and everything just felt right! It was a feeling that I had not experienced while visiting other schools. For the first time, I could picture myself among the student body, walking to class on a campus that looked similar to a global hub with an array of different people and backgrounds. This ultimately helped with my final decision.

Looking back now, I can honestly say that many of my most memorable experiences happened my four years at Temple. From Fall Fest to movie nights at the student center to attending my first Eagles and Phillies games, I can honestly say that there was never a dull moment. There was always something to do on campus or in the city. Although living in the city at first was somewhat a culture shock, but exciting and different, I found that everyone I met was extremely friendly, from fellow classmates to faculty and administration. I also quickly got over my fear of becoming just another number and getting lost in the crowd on campus.

While pursuing a business degree with a concentration in marketing at Temple's Fox School of Business, I had an opportunity to not only learn about the school's vast array of student professional organizations, but also to become involved in the clubs as well. What attracted me to join one of these organizations was that the students themselves not only had formed these clubs, but led them as well. I quickly became involved with Phi Beta Lambda, the collegiate level of Future Business Leaders of America, and not only learned about different professions in the business world, but also made life-long friends within the club. My involvements in this club lead me to create and organize my own events such as a holiday food drive for the business school and ultimately propelled me to become vice president of College Council, the business schools student government. In this position, I was able to coordinate six American Red Cross blood drives; several Philadelphia Cares Day events and help coordinate the Children's Book Drive, which benefited the Philadelphia Public School system and collected over 22,000 books in the fall of 2004.

In the spring of 2006, I had an opportunity to be a Diamond Peer Teacher in the marketing department, where I worked closely with a faculty member during the semester, and assisted in the teaching of a college-level marketing class. In May of 2006, my last chapter of undergraduate studies came to a close and I graduated Cum Laude with a BBA in marketing and was looking forward to working with Unisys Corporation.

Not only did Temple truly prepare me for a successful career in marketing but my time there also gave me a chance to meet so many people both peers and faculty who have positively impacted my life today.