Sometimes it's easy to lose perspective on the fact that not everyone in America has the same college experience. To get an idea of what life is like at a smaller university, I teamed up with Abby Jackman from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. We asked each other some questions, and I'm here to share them with you!
1. If you could describe your student body in one word, what would it be and why?
The best word to describe Oglethorpe’s student body is diverse. Since we are a liberal arts university, we tend to attract a lot of students in the arts and humanities. On the other hand, we have our fair share of math whizzes and bio majors who bond over the mutual struggle of lab classes. Everyone here has their niche, and if that’s something you don’t have already, it’s very easy to find on such a diverse campus.
2.What is the worst aspect of your school?
I think most students would agree that the biggest struggle on our campus is the dining hall food. Students are required to live on campus until their senior year, which means we are also required to pay for an unlimited meal plan. The food itself isn’t the worst, it’s the lack of variety. Having a student body of just over 1,000, we only have one dining hall. Trust me, those same options get really old really fast.
3.What is the one thing students get super hyped about?
Honestly, when our school or an organization provides free (good) food. College kids are all about saving money, so any kind of break from cafeteria food that doesn’t involve a trip to Chipotle is rejoiced on our campus.
4.Describe your school’s mascot and how students feel about it.
Our mascot is the stormy petrel. What is a petrel, you ask? It’s the smallest of the seabirds, known for its strength and perseverance through storms. Students have a love-hate relationship with Petey. You hate grumbling, “stormy petrel” when your friends ask what your school’s mascot is, but Oglethorpe would not be the same without its fearless leader Petey.
5. What makes your college unique from other universities?
Oglethorpe isn’t just a school, it’s a family. When I walk across campus every morning, I see the same people rather than a sea of unfamiliar faces. Last week one of my professors, who knows each of us by name, brought us all of his favorite Trader Joes treats to snack on in class just because. While that feeling of closeness is comforting, it is also great for making future connections. All of the professors in your major’s department will know your name by the end of your freshman year. This means they will not only write you killer letters of recommendation, but they also are there to help connect you to other big names in your chosen field. While attending a small university is not for everyone, I know it was the right choice for me.
