My first two years at Alma College definitely had its ups and downs. Though transferring to Western Michigan University was the best decision for my future, sometimes I really do miss being a Scot. Who wouldn’t? Especially looking back, there are so many things that made my experience at Alma College so special.
1. Alma College Cheer and Stunt
Cheering at Alma College still has been the most amazing, uplifting experience of my life. Words cannot express how much I miss my team every day. I can’t count how many times I thought about just packing up my things and showing up to practice one day like: “I’m back!” It’s an amazing program, and if I had the chance, I’d drop everything and go back in a heartbeat. Practice for three hours every day, the stress, sweat, tears…it’s all worth it because honestly, there is nothing like competing in Daytona Beach at NCA Nationals. There truly is nothing more rewarding than that. FTSP forever.
2. My Best Friend, Jade Edwards
I could write a whole novel about this girl. The whole world knows that Jade is my best friend. People say that you meet your lifelong friends in college. Jade is definitely one of them! We’ve been besties since freshmen year. From cheering together, being in the same sorority, and literally spending just about every second together…all of the good memories we have together are timeless.
3. Gamma Phi Beta
It’s funny that ΓΦΒ is on the list because being in a sorority is something that I always said I would never do. I had this negative assumption about Greek life in general since the beginning of time. I didn't even go through recruitment. I got an open bid. Nonetheless, ΓΦΒ at Alma College really changed my perspective on Greek life. From finding out that Sally was my sorority mom to getting pumped up about Bid Day, being a part of this amazing sisterhood was definitely worth the risk. I miss the house and all the wonderful memories made at 807, participating in fundraisers for our philanthropy, and most of all, I miss having that sisterly bond with 40+ girls who really are intelligent, beautiful, strong, confident women who really celebrate sisterhood and work every day to make a difference in the world. I love all of my sisters to the moon and back.
4. Pizza Sam’s
It was hard trying to decide which one is better between Pizza One and Pizza Sam’s; however, I’d have to say that I like Pizza Sam’s just a little bit better. Double cut pepperoni and bacon pizza with spices baked in…my mouth waters just thinking about it!
5. Stucchi’s Ice cream
Stucchi’s is so good! I would get a baby cup of country apple pie ice cream like every other day. It would always be a nice sweet treat to myself.
6. Joe's
I miss going to Joe’s every night after cheerleading practice. It was definitely the hangout spot. Jade and I would sometimes spend hours talking about our problems in between bites of our BLT sandwiches (Oh how I miss BLT day!) and complaining about how hard life is or just simply procrastinating because we didn’t feel like doing homework! I’ve had some fun times in Joe’s, very fun times indeed.
7. Dr. Lorenz
Okay, you haven’t had the full Alma experience until you’ve had a class with Dr. Edward Lorenz. Whether it’s for your major/minor, a distributive requirement, or an elective, you have to take at least one class with him. Dr. Lorenz is definitely my favorite professor. He’s just so adorable, he’s always smiling, and sometimes he rambles so much that you don’t even understand what you just learned. Yet, he’s a really awesome, intelligent person and cares deeply about his students.
8. Awkward Turtles
I lived off of awkward turtles from Highland Java at Alma. I was seriously addicted. I wouldn’t have been able to get through all those late nights at the library without them! It’s a cup of hot chocolatey, caramely greatness with espresso. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried one.
9. Helman's Market
I discovered Helman’s while I was living in Alma the summer before my sophomore year. It’s located downtown, and they have the best, freshest sandwiches I have ever tasted. And they give you a free cookie with your meal when you order something for the first time!
10. Saga Cookies
The main dining location at Alma is the Hamilton Commons, but everyone calls it Saga. Saga has the best cookies in the whole world. I would literally get a plateful of cookies every time they had them. Saga cookies are just absolutely amazing.
11. Bagpipers
I don’t know why, but I think bagpipes are one of the coolest, most unique instruments ever. With Alma having a Scottish heritage, they really embrace the Highland Arts, bagpipers included. The Alma College Pipe Band is a very unique, iconic part of the college. It’s always fun to watch them play!
12. Little Sibs Weekend
Little sibs weekend would always be a good time! It was fun having my little sister, Tanaja Billings, with me on campus. We did so many activities together. During little sibs weekend my freshman year, there was this really cool magician. I think I was more amazed than she was!
13. The Hypnotist
Every year during freshman orientation week, Alma brings in a hypnotist, and it is honestly one of the coolest, funniest events I have ever experienced. The hypnotist was definitely my favorite part of orientation week as a freshman!
14. The Squirrels
Alma’s squirrels are so friendly that they even let you pet them! I witnessed it for myself when I was walking back to my dorm from class! I captured a picture of a girl actually petting a squirrel. I couldn’t believe it! It was definitely one of the most exciting moments of my freshman year.
15. The Closeness
Last but not last, I miss that closeness that Alma has. Socially, Alma is so much easier compared to WMU. Alma is a very small community. Everybody knows everybody. All the students are basically like family to one another. I like my space, but sometimes I do miss that closeness that can only be felt when you’re at “The Bubble.”
People always ask me which school I like better, but it’s hard to say. Small schools have their pros and cons, and big schools have their pros and cons as well. I guess I like them equally. They each have their own unique set of assets that have been beneficial to my life.
Do I regret transferring? No.
But do I miss Alma College? Absolutely.
