When I was in the college-searching process, the idea of going to a large school was not appealing to me. Sitting through lectures with hundreds of other students was not high on my list of wants and needs. Instead, I wanted a university that would help me shine, not dull me as "just another face in the crowd." So I chose to go to a small private institution.
Small schools have different attributes from larger schools. First off, they do not have a huge football teams. My classes usually have under 20 students in them. People party, but it is definitely not "I'm Shmacked"-worthy by any means. But do not take this as a complaint, because this small private school is more than that. It has taught me many skills and lessons that I never would have learned at a larger school.
The first thing it did was introduce me to a wide variety of people. At big schools, branching out from your original friend group is hard. At such a small school, it is easy to meet lots of new people. I have met people from all over the country, and from all over the world. It is so interesting to learn about other people's beliefs and cultures. It has created a sort of of community and family that does not exist at larger schools.
Another thing that going to a small school has taught me is the importance of getting involved. There are so many different ways one can be involved at school, and with so little people, getting leadership positions in activities is much easier. One can get involved with sports, clubs and societies much more easily because of the school size. These opportunities have allowed me to create connections that will help me in the future.
My small school has also taught me a lot about relationships. Whether it is friends or significant others, at a small school it is important to keep your private life private. This is a good life lesson to learn, because no one needs to know your personal business. At bigger schools, there are a lot of people who do not know you or your reputation, but at a small school it is essential to keep one's reputation clean.
Going to a small university is not for everyone. But if you are anything like me, you have learned to love the lifestyle provided by your small school. You feel right at home at your little university, and you would not change a thing. The lessons your small school has taught you will stay with you forever.
