Opening an offer to the Bridge to Clemson program on Decision Day as a high school senior can be exciting for some applicants, yet disappointing to others. Recipients are hoping for, and maybe even expecting, a letter saying “Congratulations!” with orange paw print confetti descending down the page.

For me, opening my Bridge letter was downright devastating. As an out-of-state student who didn’t know that the program even existed, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that I didn’t actually get into Clemson — and even if I did, that I wouldn’t be a “real student.”

There is an unfortunate stigma surrounding Bridge students at Clemson, which can be attributed to multiple reasons.

The program can feel isolating at times. Student housing is located in pretty secluded areas — Thornhill Village and Lightsey Bridge I and II — distanced from regularly admitted student housing. Students take classes off-campus at Tri-County Technical College, a community college 10 minutes from the University. And while students are allowed to join the majority of clubs and organizations on campus, they’re restricted from playing NCAA sports, joining Clemson Undergraduate Student Government and participating in Greek life.

It’s easy to wallow in these limitations at the moment. However, I’ve reflected on several hidden values of the program since “graduating” from it and becoming a full-time student.

If you’re currently a Bridge student and struggling with some of these drawbacks, I encourage you to shift your perspective.

First, tuition for the program is significantly less expensive for out-of-state students than regular tuition would be, which is a relief for many.

Second, the program’s exclusivity and specific conditions foster a sense of community and togetherness among Bridge students.

Third, the program’s seclusion essentially forces you to get involved in something. While it’s beneficial to lean on your roommates and fellow Bridge students for community, joining on-campus organizations allows you to actually integrate yourself in regular student life.

I truly believe that without the Bridge program, I wouldn’t have been quite as motivated to join some of my favorite activities on campus: Clemson Club Swim, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and The Tiger, to name a few. Instead, I would have focused my efforts on rushing a sorority or attempting to walk on to the NCAA cross country team. While both of those involvements have their own virtues and are special to others, I believe the Bridge program placed me exactly where I’m meant to be at Clemson.

Fourth, and most importantly to me, the Bridge program fosters a heightened sense of pride in being a Clemson student. Stepping into a campus building to attend a university class for the first time during your sophomore year is a feeling like no other.

The Bridge to Clemson program is as much a part of my Clemson experience as anything else. While I didn’t understand its hidden value when I first opened my letter, I am endlessly grateful for the lessons it taught me about humility, persistence and community.

If you’re currently struggling with insecurities about being in the program, please know that you’re not alone in the slightest. You’re as much a part of the Clemson family as all the other students, faculty and staff who get to experience this university’s day in and day out, and I hope you’ll come to recognize the program’s true virtues.

Kat Pugh is a junior English major from Clayton, California. Kat can be reached at [email protected].