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Choosing which college to attend is probably one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. Not only is it stressful, but it is also very confusing. There are so many different colleges around that finding one that suited me best seemed impossible.

While deciding which school I would attend, I had to ask myself many questions like: Could I be happy here? Would I be able to get a good job with my degree? How would I adjust to the college life? Since I am an athlete, I also had to consider the athletic program and what it has to offer me as a student-athlete.

When I took my recruiting trip to UCLA I was constantly observing my surroundings. I had taken three other recruiting trips but when I got on the UCLA campus I immediately fell in love with it. At that moment I knew that UCLA was for me.

Although I was on a recruiting trip for softball, I was also very concerned about the academic aspect. I had already been previously informed about UCLA from my older sister, Seilala Sua, a shot-putter who will be in her fifth year at UCLA. When the opportunity arose to go to UCLA I decided it was too good to pass up.

UCLA had fit the mold I had set for my college. It offers so many different majors and getting a degree from UCLA says a lot about you. I just remember how comfortable I felt when I was on campus. The campus was just beautiful and everything seemed to be located in a convenient place.

Since I am coming all the way from Florida I also had to consider the distance factor. I had many opportunities to go to a Florida school but I wanted to go away to school and be independent. Of course I would miss my family and it will probably be difficult for the first couple of months but that would have happened anywhere.

My recruiting trip was so amazing because I really got to know the softball team. I have to admit I was very intimidated by the whole “UCLA softball tradition,” but after getting to know everyone I knew that I could not have chosen a better team to play for. The girls treated me as if I were equal and not just a recruit, and the coaches are the best in the country.

There are not a lot of universities that encompass both the academic and athletic aspects of college. I also liked the dorms very much. Many of the colleges I had visited only had one kind of dorm but UCLA offered many different types that could accommodate anybody’s personal needs. I also liked the student union because everything that you could possibly need is there.

I have always liked L.A. because it is so diverse and you get to see so many different things. There is always something to do so you are never bored. Although L.A. is a little crowded I figure I would just have to get used to it.

Everybody has different opinions on what they want most in a college but I know that UCLA was the best choice for me. I’m not saying that not going to UCLA is a bad thing, but for me there wasn’t any reason why I shouldn’t go to UCLA.

Claire Sua is an incoming freshman and a softball recruit who pitches and plays first base. She is considered the No. 1 prospect in the South and is also probably the top utility player in the nation.

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