We are always told college is the best four years of your life. But just imagine living in its backyard your entire life. Susquehanna faculty members, Mary Markle and husband Chris Markle moved to Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania after Chris gained a position in the admissions office.
Mary and Chris originally resided in New York City before moving to Selinsgrove. In Mary’s mind this move would only be temporary with the constant question, “OK, so where are we really going to live?” With a family of seven, the Markles used the Susquehanna community to their advantage.
“For better or for worse we drag our kids to anything that would be remotely connected to what they are studying or interested in,” Mary said.
Living in a college community gave the Markles the resources that most towns didn’t have available. Their jobs at the university gave a social aspect to their family. "Our social connections changed when we had kids because we could come here and bring them,” Mary added.
Many would think living in a college town would be dangerous for their children, but Mary disagrees. “We used to live on Water Street and we were surrounded by college students. Chris used to travel a lot and I felt so safe because I knew someone was there and I wasn’t disturbing anyone. It was lovely being around them.”
“My kids have the best of both worlds." Mary explained that living in central Pennsylvania did not hinder their exposure to the world. Mary and Chris traveled to cities like New York and Pittsburgh with their family frequently and currently two of her kids are living in these cities.
Being immersed in the college culture allowed her children to get involved and have the resources they needed to grow academically and socially. “Growing up in this town may have the stigma against going to Susquehanna because they grew up here, but that is completely from ignorance,” Mary added.
Over the years, the Markles grew to know every crevice people could take advantage of at Susquehanna University and they used these benefits for their family.
Living in a university town is a choice and a different lifestyle at that. College may be for adults, but it doesn’t stop children from learning from the college community right in their backyard.
