Rising Sophomore Chloe Williams from Lake Orion has learned what it takes to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable” at The University of Olivet. Chloe was nervous about the uncertainties of college, worried that she would feel overwhelmed in her new setting. Getting involved with service learning opportunities, charity work and contributing her time to helping those in need have all made this transition easier.
As a new member of the Eta Psi Kappa sorority this spring, Chloe said, “I joined because I wanted a sisterhood, and I wanted to leave Olivet knowing that I was a part of something. My experience has been eye-opening because this gave me confirmation that everybody doesn’t see the world how I see it. I knew that people weren’t cut from the same cloth, but this gave me an up-close, in-person experience as to why that is.”
Chloe, a business administration major, takes time away from learning budgets and marketing strategies by participating in as many service learning opportunities as she can. “I have had some experiences with boxing food for the hungry, and I also help out at a church for service learning. It benefited me by making me realize I like helping others that don’t have a lot,” she said.
Chloe’s personal passion is paired with her professional goals in business. “I would like to be an entrepreneur and own an online clothing brand,” Chloe said. “My future goals are to become a social media manager, do something with YouTube and either work at a marketing or advertising company. To prepare for my future career now, I am brainstorming the types of clothes I would want to sell, and I am also coming up with ideas on how I want my business to run.”
Chloe’s adjustment to college was made easy with the small class sizes and interpersonal connections with professors like Michael Weglarz, assistant professor of insurance and risk management, who comes from her hometown of Lake Orion. Professor Weglarz teaches the first-year Business Administration Seminar she sat in this past year.
“My relationship with my professors is very smooth. They are always there for me whenever I am having a hard time with a class. They always give good words of encouragement and advice. They never push you away. Their doors are always open,” Chloe said. “If other students are looking to have not only an experience, but a journey, The University of Olivet is the place for you. Everyone on campus is more than happy to help you with anything you are going through. Every time I think about it, I am very proud to call myself a Comet because Olivet has helped me ‘Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.’”
During Honors Week this spring, Chloe was honored with the Freshman Award for Leadership, and her impact does not end there. “It made me realize that every move I make is being noticed, and from here on out I would like to continue to make my peers proud of my accomplishments. I just hope that I continue making sure everyone knows who Chloe Williams is as I continue to succeed,” she said.
What helped Chloe make such an impact her first year? Here is what she would like to pass on: “My quote that I came up with for myself and for my friends is ‘It’s only hard if you don’t try.’ So even when you want to give up, don’t. Just keep pushing through,” Chloe emphasized.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
This feature was written by rising junior Chad Enwright, marketing and multi-media student associate. He is a resident adviser, a member of the football team, chief recruitment officer for Phi Beta Lambda and a business administration major who aspires to invent and operate his own high-tech, home security and automation business.
Menu