From the moment that I took the tour of campus, I knew that is where I was meant to be. I always compare the experience to “Say Yes to the Dress.” I was keep “trying on” different colleges as I toured and was waiting for that special moment. Although I didn’t cry and hug all my family like the bride does when she finds her perfect dress on the tv show, I did have a gut feeling that this is where I was meant to be. The campus felt welcoming, homey, comfortable, and energetic. I was going to make it work to attend my dream college at St. Catherine University.
One essential piece is the classroom. According to the U.S. News and World Report who ranks St. Kate’s number 15 in Regional Universities Midwest, the student-professor ratio is 10:1. My biggest priority in college was to get the education and help that I needed. Here I am able to receive individualized attention in classrooms with a small group of students. The professors know me personally by name, not by a number like large universities. Not only am I able to feel free to voice my own thoughts and questions in the classroom, but I am genuinely interested in my major and minor. Although St. Kate’s is popularly known for its nursing, pre-physical therapy, and pre-occupational therapy programs, I found to find a love for their communication studies department. The professors are beyond excited about the material, enthusiastic to get to know the students, and are more than willing to take their time to make sure you understand the material and go at your pace.
Realistically, how does one pay for college? Well, there are many work study opportunities on campus. Some of my friends work at The Pulse cafe and the dining hall as cashiers, the admissions office as tour guides, and various offices that the university offers. I have found myself staying at the work study job that I was given as a freshmen at the Telefund where I call alums for donations towards St. Kate’s Annual Fund. This opportunity has given me the chance to hear about alums’ experiences, receive their advice, and feel more connected as a Katie. Also, I have been able to grow in the Telefund from moving up from a caller to a mentor to a supervisor. In keeping my work study job, I have been able to continue to earn money throughout the school year while making more friends on campus. The Community Work and Learning Office also offers paid internships for junior and senior students. This off-campus experience gives students, such as myself, real-life and hands on work with nonprofit organizations. The office works with you to find an internship that fits your major and interests. I am taking advantage of this opportunity and will be a Program Development Intern at the Ann Bancroft Foundation this upcoming fall!
College is so much more than the books and work though. St. Kate’s has so much to offer beyond the books. With so many clubs offered, such as Katie’s Hip Hop Club, Senate, Advocating for Animals, CRU, Medical Interest Group, and Fashion Association, there is something for everyone. The club that has made the biggest impact in my life is Colleges Against Cancer (CAC). This national club works with American Cancer Society to bring cancer awareness to campus and to run the college’s Relay For Life each spring. I have been honored to become the Co-President of CAC where I help lead chair members from our team, mission, publicity, fundraising, and events committees. Through the different clubs on campus, students are able to gain leadership, group, and organizational skills.
Even further, St. Kate’s offers free programs for students through counseling, career development, peer money mentors, and tutoring. I have taken advantage of the O’Neill Center for tutoring and guidance with assignments. There are tutors available for any class. In the past I have visited to have tutors proofread papers and this semester I will definitely be asking for help in my statistics course! They are beyond friendly and love to help. Also, I have taken advantage of the free counseling. St. Kate’s counselors are very confidential, sympathetic, supportive, and personable. I would highly recommend utilizing the counselors for anything that you may be going through, even to just receive advice. They are 110% there for you and want you to do your best. These free programs by St. Kate’s shows how compassionate and driven staff and professors are towards their students.
No matter what I will continue to do everything I can to be a St. Catherine University graduate. The amazing opportunities that I am offered, the clubs I am able to join, the professors and programs that are very individualized make the university homey and one of a kind.
