As I am about to enter my senior year of college, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the past three years. Four summers ago, I was a senior in high school with no idea of what I wanted to do in life, let alone in college. All my friends were lining up college visits, bragging about their scholarships, and relishing on their future luxurious school campuses. As I recall, I spent the first few months of my senior year of high school watching my friends stress over the insane amount of schoolwork they had incurred because of all the AP classes they were taking. I listened to my fellow classmates brag about their SAT and ACT scores as if they were competing to see who could reach the highest score. November was the big college push month, and all my friends were giddy over their school selections. Many from my high school graduating class went on to big schools like the University of Delaware. Unlike most of my friends, I decided to go to a small suburban school outside of Wilmington, Delaware. Little did I know at that moment, choosing to attend Goldey-Beacom College would be the best decision I've made so far in life.
I am a first-generation college student in my family. I do not come from wealth and my parents do not earn a high income. I was tasked with paying for college on my own and had to figure out the whole college process of applying, finding schools, financial aid, etc., on my own as well. Goldey-Beacom was the first school I applied to because I remember hearing commercials on the radio when I was kid, and several of my neighbors and church friends had attended and all proclaimed that it is a terrific business school. While I did apply to a couple of other schools, I knew deep down in my heart that Goldey-Beacom was my best option, since they offered me two scholarships and helped lower my costs dramatically.
Although I was learning the whole college thing on a fly my freshman year, Goldey-Beacom’s smaller class sizes, welcoming atmosphere, and strong community enabled me to move from apprehension to comfort with ease by the middle of sophomore year. I have met so many wonderful friends who are caring, talented, wonderful people. I actually knew the majority of the people in my classes and on campus. How many other people at larger schools with giant classes can say that? Not many. My friends at Goldey-Beacom have gone from being just acquaintances to being family. There’s nothing better than coming to this school each day and catching up with dear friends in the café or playing pool. I have made a lot of friends from so many countries on this campus and have learned so much about other cultures that I wouldn’t have if I had stuck to my own bubble.
Goldey-Beacom features professors who excel at their jobs and offer real life perspectives I wouldn’t have heard anywhere else. While all my other friends were crying about their terrible teaching assistants, I was receiving a high quality education from actual professors who know their stuff and explained material in ways that are understandable and relatable for the 21st Century college student. Professors at this school are not here to see you fail and make your life miserable. In fact, it is the total opposite. Professors at this school truly want to see you succeed, master material being taught, and graduate in four years. From offering their valuable time before and after class, and even adding additional office hours to their scheduled ones, the professors here are available and want to see you succeed if you put in the necessary effort.
As I mention above, I am a first-generation college student who did not understand anything about college. In fact, the first day I stepped foot on campus was freshman orientation. I was a little apprehensive, unsure of what to expect. However, from the very moment I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed by a supportive staff who were there to answer any of my questions and lead me in the right direction. The staff at this school are extremely inviting and will help in any way they can. Many of my friends share the same sentiments that I have about Goldey’s advising office. I have not met or seen a better college advising office than Goldey’s. All of the advisors are attentive to the student’s concerns, quick to respond to emails and phone calls, and offer support for everything from figuring out financial aid to scheduling classes. During the middle of my junior year, I got switched to a new advisor and I was nervous about who this new person was. Despite my initial reservations, my new advisor is just as awesome as my previous one and has helped me in innumerable ways. My advisor is personable, organized, and so welcoming.
As I embark on my senior year, Goldey has blessed me with many networking opportunities, great friends, and even an internship at the school’s admission office. I feel like this place is home and have decided to pursue a Master’s degree, as well. While Goldey is not like other colleges and universities, I personally believe it is unique in its own special way. I do not have any regrets choosing this school and I know everything works out for a reason. God placed me at this school for a reason and it is paying off immensely. Attending this college has been a terrific experience I am so thankful for. I have met amazing friends who are like family; professors who have provided me networking opportunities as well as immense knowledge; and a staff who cares about me individually. I love this school and will always be a proud alumnus.
Attending Goldey-Beacom will forever be one of the best decisions I will ever make.
