love Frostburg State University. It’s the only college I applied to and the only one I wanted to attend. To some, it may just be another small college hanging off a mountain in a cute little Maryland town. For me, its home. If you don’t understand why I love it so much here, I’ll tell you some of my favorite things.
1. It Offers My Major
If this doesn’t sound like a pretty good reason to attend, you must be crazy. Frostburg was the only in-state college for me that offered Wildlife and Fisheries, so since I wanted to only be semi-in debt instead of severely in debt, I chose the Burg. But that’s not what I love about it pertaining to my major. I was quick to find a club that suited me that pertained to what I wanted to do after college: Wildlife Society. Being a part of a club is one of the best thing about college, and there is nothing like Frostburg’s Wildlife Society (or the notorious Josh Tabora). Everyone is super goofy and I quickly became part of the family, where Dr. Ammer is that weird uncle everyone has. Currently I’m a board member and I can’t wait to see what this year has in store.
2. The Area
Did I mention that Frostburg is absolutely gorgeous? Whether you’re on campus, at Dan’s Rock, or on a Sheetz run, you’ve got a pretty good chance of seeing an amazing sunset as it disappears behind the mountains. I grew up around woods as a kid, so this place is like my childhood dreams are on steroids. If you ever get the chance, come up to Frostburg and visit Dan’s rock while the sun is setting or rising, when it’s foggy, during a meteor shower, when the leaves are falling, or when there’s snow on the ground. Despite the graffiti on the rocks, the landscape is breathtaking. If you turn around to look at the horizon behind you, you’ll see the silhouettes of the wind turbines. Some people think wind turbines are an eyesore, but a lot of us love seeing them. Frostburg is also a really nice place to breathe, however weird that sounds. The campus is in the middle of the woods and on top of a mountain so the air feels fresher than it does for me back home. Frostburg as a whole is just really calming.
3. The Hills
If you’re like me and are reluctant to go to the gym, don’t worry! You’ll get in shape just by walking to class. Campus is pretty hilly compared to other campuses I’ve been on. I swear I’m not complaining, I actually really like it because there’s nothing like rushing to class uphill when you’ve got a ten minute walk. Although sometimes I have to walk slow before I get into class so I’m not heaving when I walk in.
4. The Activities
Frostburg State actually does a really good job of planning fun events. My favorite is Late @ Lane, where a themed party is held at the Lane Center, free for students. The events include music, food, raffles, entertainment, crafts, and sport-like activities such as mechanical bull riding or roller blading. The first one I went to as a freshman had exotic animals and I REALLY hope they bring animals back soon. The crafts are really cool too because sometimes you make it and other times they bring in professionals to take orders. This past weekend was 70s themed; I got a customized hat and I painted a record. The stuff is usually really cool. Last year there were two separate Late @ Lanes that gave out plants! If only they would give out animals like fish… or puppies.
5. The Professors
The professors at Frostburg are amazing. They perfectly balance the love-hate relationship with students by offering them all the help in the world, but letting them fail if the student doesn’t feel like putting in effort. I really love this because at this point we’re adults, even the little baby freshman who sometimes come in at 17 (aka. Allie Kitaguchi). Professors can be your friends if you want them to be especially the professors you’ll encounter often once you get more into your major. The professors here love to see us do well and get A’s. They just need to reserve their time for the students who are struggling and want the help, not for the students who aren’t doing well and need someone breathing down their shoulder. The workloads given aren’t that bad either. I haven’t really felt overwhelmed with school work at all since I’ve been here, and I’m currently enrolled in 19 credits.
To all those high-schoolers and anyone else looking for a college to go to, I’d recommend this one. Cheap, friendly, beautiful, AND fantastic professors? I’m not sure what else you could want. If you’re not sure yet come visit, grab some Moe’s, and look around at all the great things we have going on. See you at the Burg!
