After reading “10 Things That Only Happen At Small Schools,” I found myself feeling incredibly annoyed at the small digs made in the article towards larger state schools. You could say that being a part of a big, spirited community may heighten one’s pride in their school...or not...but for me, this is the case. So here’s my rebuttal.
Reasons Why You’re Not “Just A Number” at A State School
1. “Leaving your room five minutes before class and still being on time.”
Same! Who knew? Except we get there better. Good thing we can get to class quickly on our bikes, mopeds, and in our sneaks -- getting a workout in, too! Stayed up late snacking with the roomie? It’s OK -- you can walk it off tomorrow without stepping a foot in the gym!
2.“Guaranteed to get at least one 'hey' every time you walk somewhere.”
Absolutely! Given the extensive amount of activities and clubs you can join, Greek or GDI, you’re bound to see someone you know on the way to class.
3.“Actually knowing the people who follow you on Instagram, Facebook friends, or dare I say...Tinder.”
Most kids here don’t use Tinder, maybe because we’re accustomed to meeting new people daily and don’t need our phones to meet others for us.
4. “Anticipating the long* wait for food on those really good days but knowing when to go to get around it.”
How about avoiding the long lines altogether? Going to a larger school means more meal options. Line too long? Walk around the corner, and there’s sure to be another place, just as good, waiting to stave off your hunger.
5. “Making friends outside of your major is more common than not.”
Obviously! One of the greatest things about going to a big school is it's not just about the academics. There’s so much more to this school than doing homework and studying for tests. Friends can be made anytime and anywhere, not to mention the vast diversity of students at state schools.
6. “What they do have are the people you will remember and that will remember you.”
If anything, going to a big school gives you more connections and enhanced social skills to retain information about others, no matter how many people you meet. Talk about networking.
7. "Just because you go to a big school does not mean it’s not 'a tight-knit community.'”
It’s easy to get support from your peers when hosting new events, and the community’s constant encouragement can make anyone feel like a superstar! Given the amount of people that attend a state school, you have the ability to pick a community for yourself, instead of being (hypothetically, at a smaller school) forced to stay with one group of kids that really “ain’t yo type.”
8. We too, have “Classes that taught you beyond the test.”
The amount of classes offered at state schools, not to mention the incredible professors and their impressive resumes, are hard to beat. There are so many opportunities to get involved in your classes outside of the classroom (hello, psychology extra credit!) and outside resources that can help anyone succeed. It’s almost impossible to fail, given the amount of tutoring services and advice from people who have taken your classes in years past.
9. “There’s a uniqueness that just isn't found at a large school. At a small school you're a face, a name, your own legacy...not a number.”
This statement could not be more wrong in contrast with state schools. At a big school you have so many opportunities to create your own communities within a larger one, and you never have to feel trapped to stay with the same group of people 24/7. As my dear mother always says, “You can make a big school small but you can never make a small school big”.
10. “Look into those small schools that maybe don't have a 50,000 seat stadium.”
Or don’t. Our spirit is unbeatable, our pride is contagious, and game days, as most know, are the best nights of the week. If you don’t like having fun and hate feeling like you’re a “part of something,” big schools probably just aren’t your thing.
Big or small, college is great, and we’re all fortunate to have the opportunity to explore higher education and be a part of something greater than ourselves. There are pros and cons to each type of education, and it’s up to you to find out which you prefer.
Just know that when you tire of seeing the same small campus and same old groups of people every day, you always have me to visit.
