“The sun sets orange and purple over Death Valley” is something I say during every beautiful sunset on campus. Very rarely does the sky reflect our rivals.

From Death Valley to the experimental forest, our campus has a generational beauty that is reflected throughout the town. Even though we may not have the best football team this year, our alumni, students and families alike all rally behind the team each game. Whether the weather is good or bad, the Clemson family runs deep.

Clemson’s small downtown, which is attached to the front of the University, offers the perfect small-town community feeling for students from all areas of the world. While there may not be a huge amount of stores and things for students to do within walking distance, the downtown offers a close-knit community. Clemson has the small-town America appeal with many benefits, especially safety.

We are also home to a stunning lake full of outdoor activities that keep students, families and nearby Clemson residents busy. Fishing, boating and a million activities can take place in the heart of Tigertown.

Above all, it’s the environment that is made between Tigers. No matter your background or your future, being a Tiger unites us all. The parade and walks to the stadium through campus are one of my absolute favorite Clemson activities. I see friends, new and old. I can’t help but think about how many beautiful things there are about our campus and our spirit.

I’m not saying that our rivalry unites the Tigers more, but we do have a better track record than them in several categories, including academics in STEM fields, the Blood Bowl and football. We’re 4-7 this football season, and they’re 6-5. Even without the chickens from the Southeast, Clemson is just better.