Coming into freshman year of college just one year ago, I had high hopes for the prospects of my new school. As we all know, attending college is not nearly as simple as any previous educational experience; high school is predetermined by parental consent and geographic location. Whereas, in college, the choice is completely and independently in your hands.
That can most certainly place a great deal of stress in your corner. Picking your college essentially translates to deciding where your life is headed for the entirety of four years, as well as the introduction to your young adult life. In the end, as incoming freshman, we all enter with that uniform hope for greatness, but hidden fears that this new home may or may not be where our true happiness resides.
Luckily, I can confidently proclaim that Eau Claire provided me with a welcoming, breathtaking, and overwhelmingly joyous freshman year. From scenic beauty, to friendly faces at every corner, and monumentally beneficial extracurricular activities, Eau Claire has fulfilled my hopes and diminished all fears of unhappiness. While this short list wont altogether provide justice to UWEC, here are just a couple reasons why Eau Claire has filled me with pride and promise for my collegiate years, past and present.
1. The Natural Beauty
This school arguably has one of the most beautiful and naturally scenic campuses in all of Wisconsin. From the breathtaking landscape across the Chippewa River, to the raw cadence of falling fall leaves among the abundance of trees strewn across campus in autumn's introduction, this school's scenery definitely makes the walks to class a little more enjoyable. After all, who can truly pass down a sunset atop Putnam rock or a hike down to Mt. Simon?
2. The Sense of Community
Nearly every person I have had the opportunity to meet thus far on campus has been a warm and friendly face. From professors that are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that you succeed, to energetic and kind classmates, to natural habitants across the area, this community is tight knit and it's hard to feel unwelcome.
3. Extracurricular Opportunities
Being a student-athlete as it is, and additionally being involved in several other Eau Claire programs, you could consider me someone that knows a bit about the extracurricular opportunities here on campus. I have made so many connections and friendships through the extremely beneficial activities offered outside the classroom that I will cherish for time to come. Aside from basic connections and growth of friendship, the activities on campus have instilled my sense of work ethic, organization, perseverance, and have helped me to improve in the focussed area of these various groups.
4. Off Campus Activities
Whether you fancy a night out on the town on the weekends, or prefer more controlled activities, the city of Eau Claire offers plenty of activities for one to enjoy and fill their weekends with fun. From the lively attitudes and spirits down on Water Street, to the adorable little coffee shops and artistic shops and antiques in the heart of Downtown, to the beautiful nature hikes and cliffs to jump, there are plenty of options for any given person to pursue and enjoy.
5. The Artistic Vibes
From the beauty of downtown with a plethora of artsy shops and musical ventures, to the festivals strewn across the town to appreciate artistic talents such as UW meets EC and Eaux Claires, the beauty of art never goes unappreciated here in Eau Claire. There is musical acts to listen to at every corner such as the calm vibes in Acoustic Cafe, and gorgeous art pieces within the antique stores, museums, and gift shops (my personal favorite is "Tangled up in Hue").
As previously stated, this list only merely takes a glimpse at what makes Eau Claire so special, and how it has come to shape my college experience in an undeniably positive light. However, hopefully such a list is enough to showcase how wonderful it truly is, and why it is the right choice for me, as well as countless students throughout the midwest.
