It took me about a year and a half to actually appreciate my school and everything it has to offer. With just under 1,000 students my school has the ability to focus on and take care of its students. Perks of a small college come with, not only the institution itself, but the people who help give it character. The following three items may seem to not be that extraordinary, but they truly hold such a positive impact.
1. Professors actually know your name.
I say this with some humor but mainly truth. Professors take the time to get to know you when you are in a smaller class. I have friends at large universities who have been in lectures of 200 students or more. The professor never even tried to learn anyone’s name. When a professor actually knows your name, it feels as though they want to help and watch you succeed. Plus, a smaller class is easier to learn in.
2. It is easier to get to know upperclassmen.
They may seem intimidating as a freshman but the upperclassmen are great people to get to know. Aside from making great friends, they are able to pass down useful information. For example, they can tell you which professor is the toughest grader in the English Department so you can try to avoid taking a class from them. Or they pass down words of wisdom to help you succeed as an individual and a student so you do not make the same mistakes they did.
3. Someone is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Whether it is staff, faculty, or peers, I cannot recall a year where someone on my campus has not helped me out in the slightest sense. In just these first weeks of school I have had professors send me emails about potential internships and classmates have let me borrow their books. I make sure to pass kindness on to those around me
These three points may not seem like a lot but they have truly made an impact on me as a student and a person. I could not imagine my college experience any other way.
