Destiny Clark is a junior from Cleveland, Ohio. She is a music major and a psychology minor with a goal to become a music therapist. She is also involved with the Gospel Choir, the Global Citizen Honors Program (GCHP), the President’s Leadership Institute and the Black Student Union.
I chose to attend The University of Olivet because it was close, yet far enough away from home that I felt I could be independent. I appreciated how close-knit the campus was. Scholarships for my participation in the Gospel Choir and GCHP helped me tremendously with being able to attend.
Because I live almost four hours away, I don’t get to go home much. My music director, La’Rae Trice, makes sure that I am okay and that I am taken care of. Last Easter, I wasn’t able to go home, so she offered her home to my friend and me. The relationships that I have formed here with the entire music staff have been beneficial and really helped me not miss home as much at times.
On campus, I am a part of the President’s Leadership Institute, which helps me learn to be a strong leader and to stand up more. I am also a part of the Black Student Union, and it’s great to be around people like myself. We talk about racial issues and help other students feel more comfortable being themselves, especially in this day and age.
Another unique experience I have had is being part of an honor’s course, Travel Choir, for GCHP. As a part of the class, I began to give voice lessons to a high school student. This helped me gain more confidence in myself and my teaching, and I especially learned how to communicate with people more effectively.
I would encourage a high school student to attend The University of Olivet because this college is a place where the staff and professors actually care about you and your wellbeing. At a larger school, it’s harder for students to meet their professors and build relationships with them. Everyone here is so genuine and it is a true family-like atmosphere.
One piece of advice I would give is to learn how to manage your time. Time management is very important, especially in college, because you don’t have anyone telling you when and what to do. It’s all about self-determination and reliance.
My experience as a Comet has shaped me by allowing me to put myself out there and speak out more. Ever since attending The University of Olivet, I have learned to be more outgoing and to get more involved in things so I can meet new people.
College is the first place after high school where you learn to be on your own. You learn more and more about yourself every day. You learn the things you are great at and the things that you may need to work on. Moreover, you learn to be yourself. College is where you find yourself and your strengths, weaknesses, faults, preferences and everything else. You have to learn to be open-minded and just go from there. Everything will work itself out.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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