AT was right. Although I'm pretty sure by Austin Strat he meant a Tex-Mex Strat (a Fender Strat built in Mexico rather than the US).
I definitely advise against buying a Squier if you have $300 to spend on a guitar.. If you're willing to splurge, take a look at a
Fender Stratocaster Jr. It's a bit smaller which makes it a great starter guitar.
Living in the same city as you, I'd be happy to show you around a guitar store sometime. Just shoot me a PM if you're interested.
Eugene