As freshman year draws to a close (how time flies!), an update:
Since arriving on campus, I have gotten my first C on a paper (!!!); poured over the works of Aristotle and Aeschylus, Hobbes and Homer, and everyone in between; started working as a student researcher in one of the biology labs; had dinner at my advisor’s house with her family; taken road trips to Chicago, Indianapolis, and a half-dozen hole-in-the-wall coffee shops; and built a beautiful igloo. Although I loathed history in high school, I’m seriously considering a minor in history after my incredible intro course (although I could say the same for religion and biology!)
I could not be happier with my decision. Although some posters seem to believe that a small liberal arts college could never provide sufficient depth of opportunities and a pool of high-quality peers, I have found the complete opposite to be true. I have been privileged to study with and under some of the most incredibly brilliant people I have ever met. Being in a place filled with genuine, thoughtful, mature, caring students and professors dedicated to pursuing truth has completely changed my approach to studies. I care less about grades and more about learning, less about knowing all the right answers and more about engaging in the important, soul-enriching conversations that seem to happen all the time. The professor who gave me that C encouraged me to keep writing, and I’ve spent hours in his office wrestling through difficult questions about literature and life.
My merit scholarship has been such a blessing for my family as well after my mom was laid off midway through the year. Even though she was able to find work again, it was a huge comfort to know I won’t need to take on thousands in debt to complete my degree, should more financial curveballs be thrown. This is especially great since I’m increasingly leaning towards a career in education (which, given the average salary, isn’t the best option for paying off student loans).
For any high school students (and parents) out there constructing a college list or making a final decision, rest assured that it is indeed possible to be happy and challenged at a tiny, unknown school. I’m biased and think Hillsdale is the best college ever and has some of the best people on the planet, but that’s because I did tons of homework and knew what a great fit it was for my personality and goals going in. I hope you will be as pleased with your choice as I am!