For starters I should let you know this article comes from a student literally head over heels in love with their university. This school has gone above and beyond all my expectations and let me tell you they were high. My school and I have had a relationship stuck in the honeymoon phase. I love it and it loves me back.
1. It has an over abundance of resources for me
TSU has so many different resources for students. If you are struggling with anything from writing to straight struggling with health, TSU has a facility to help. They consistently work on new ways to help their students in any way possible. TSU recently opened a food pantry to help students that are struggling with finances continue through school on a healthy and maintained diet.
2. Our teachers are dedicated to their students
Our teachers aren't like the ones you heard about as you were graduating high school. We all heard about the teachers who would never take time out of their day to help students and forget them ever wanting to know your name. Aside from my science classes that were large (but nothing compared to some much larger universities) most all my teachers knew my name and made a point to learn it.
3. Tarleton is making changes FOR its students like me
I don't care for all the construction just as much as the next student. That being said I can appreciate the changes TSU is making. They are working hard to make changes to accommodate the incoming students. While these changes might not be specifically for me as I am a junior, they are still going to affect the incoming students past their freshman year. It isn't just something to lure in new students.
4. Tarleton gives me the opportunity to change lives
As a former TTM (Tarleton Transition Mentor) this is probably the biggest reason I know my school loves me back. This program specifically gives me the chance to change and impact new students lives. It lets them know that they have someone that will be there for them every step of their journey through college. TTMs are not paid. There are multiple reasons for that. This program does not call for leaders that want to gain something in return. It does not call for leaders that only give with the intention of getting in return. Just like every other leader I paid my $150 to go to Duck Camp and I can tell you from the bottom of my heart I would have paid it multiple times over. I went into this program expecting nothing in return and got everything. I gained a humongous family that I can turn to in a moments notice, a perspective on things I would have never imagined and a life changing experience. Not to mention it cannot be compared to other schools, we've even had other schools come monitor our Duck Camps to see how we do what we do.
5. Tarleton puts its best foot forward for me
Yes TSU focuses on its retention rates. What school doesn't? What school isn't concerned with the money that comes in from its students? That is how schools do what they do. To say that TSU solely focuses on its retention rate for the money is not true. Retention rates are important for schools for many reasons. Money is one but not the only. It may be hard for some to believe but TSU truly wants its students to succeed. I know this as a student who has struggled and been helped in many ways by my school. It has always put its best foot forward in order to help its students. Also before you say TSU is focused on money look at our tuition compared to other schools.
6. Tarleton knows what loving someone is all about
TSU knows that love is not one sided. It takes two and TSU keeps up with their half and then some. TSU pushes me to do better and want more for myself as all people in a loving relationships should. TSU focuses on how it can improve and constantly looks for new ways to grow with its better half (me!). TSU has completely taken over my heart but in return has given me all of its heart. I'm not quick to fall in love but with a school like Tarleton State University it was too hard not to. Especially when they fell in love with me first.
Tarleton embodies UBUNTU.
"I am because you are, you are because I am"
