Do you feel like you made any concessions to come to a school that is reasonably priced?
I feel that Grove City College provided me with an academically rigorous experience with plenty of exceptional opportunities for enrichment including international travel, athletics, and the opportunity to develop life-long relationships with unique individuals. I do not feel I made any concessions in attending this school.
What drew you to choose history, political science, and education as your majors?
One of the wonderful aspects of Grove City College was their willingness to work with me to build an academic plan that aligned with my future career goals. One field, one major, was not enough for my passions and pursuits. The College worked with me to build a challenging, yet possible, program that I was able to complete in four years. I was able to pursue my interests in the field of history while working in contemporary politics all while striving to understand applications of these concepts for students in K-12 classrooms.
What are some of the ways that professors ensure that students not only receive information but truly learn and understand how to apply that information?
As a current educator myself, one of the most important things I valued as a student at Grove City College was the size of each of my classes. I never once found myself in a class where I could not name every other student in the class. I never was so far back in a room that I could not hear discussions or see material. Faculty members were readily available for further questions or discussion after class or during office hours. When working on a challenging assignment, there were opportunities to seek help and support. This ensured that I was not merely trying to grasp information shared with me, but gave me space and time to develop my own understanding of material, telling a story of my own as I now teach material to students.
I had the opportunity to travel with professors and study abroad during several summer sessions, and I also held a summer internship in my field. These “on the ground” opportunities allowed me to see how many ways I could apply what I was learning beyond campus. In addition, for my education classes, I was able to spend time in a variety of school settings, again seeing concepts in action.
How did you hear about Grove City College?
I grew up knowing Grove City College well. I attended many homecoming parades before I even knew college was perhaps in my future. Both of my parents, a grandfather, an aunt and an uncle, along with many of my family’s dearest friends are alumni of the school. Growing up seeing the impact this institution had on people so close to me certainly gave me reason to consider this school when beginning the college search process. What I found when I went to visit was what encouraged me to ultimately attend.
Describe your experience with residence life at Grove City College, particularly freshman year.
I could not have asked for a better residence life experience. Freshman year, I was randomly paired up with a roommate I had never met. We remained great friends and roomed together all four years of our college experience. We continue as good friends to this day. An additional aspect of my residence life experience was being part of the Greek system. As a sorority member, I was able to live on the same hall as many of my good friends during my time at Grove City College.