I was 16, debating with my mother how to pay for college, when I first heard about The University of Olivet. Being from a small city and a close family, I had decided early on that my ideal school would be a small Michigan college with a tight knit community. I found a matching college early on, but the tuition was too expensive for my family. My aunt then mentioned a college she often saw when visiting my cousin at school — The University of Olivet. Olivet was around the same size as the other school, offered similar experiences and was more affordable. After doing more research, I quickly fell in love with the college and its history. The campus was small but had large open areas and the historical buildings gave it a charm that other colleges did not have. And when my parents or I had questions, someone was always there to answer. It was incredibly easy to make my final decision.
Choosing English and writing as my path of study was just as easy. I have always had a passion for stories. As long as I have been able to speak, I have been telling stories and I read constantly as a kid. In my career, I want to keep telling and reading stories. I knew an English major and writing minor was the best way to get there. I want to go into the publishing industry, where I will edit and help publish the works of others, while writing and publishing my own work on the side. One day, I hope to publish my own book. The English and writing programs are smaller than other majors, but I have found it to be incredibly supportive. I have made so many close friends within my major and the classes have been interesting and fun.
All of my professors have been so helpful and kind, in both academic and personal situations. Unlike my friends who attend larger colleges, I have gotten to build a close relationship with my professors. They know what’s going on in my life and try to check in when they know something is wrong. My adviser, Professor Kirk Hendershott-Kraetzer, has always been available for questions and career advice, and when I was struggling with homesickness, he provided emotional support. Professor Meredith Dodson encouraged my creativity and leadership with the Garfield Lake Review, the student-led literary and arts journal which I joined in my sophomore year. She also reached out when I was having a rough time.
I am a part of the Global Citizen Honors Program (GCHP), the Garfield Lake Review and work at the campus library. All three experiences have helped to elevate my college experience. GCHP offers unique courses studying untraditional topics, which gives me the chance to learn in new and exciting ways, and I have met so many other students and professors through taking these courses. The library gave me a flexible job and helped me bond with campus employees I might not have met otherwise, like Director of Burrage Library Judy Fales.
The Garfield Lake Review was one of my major reasons for choosing Olivet. The idea of an on-campus literary and arts journal led by students was very appealing to me. I wanted to be a part of it. Working on the “Garf” has given me the chance to work on my editing skills. I have always enjoyed the process of editing, of seeing a piece finally come together. Joining the Garf let me explore this process even more and gave me the satisfaction of seeing the pieces go from drafts to published pieces. I also got to explore aspects of publishing and had a short story of my own published. It gave me the chance to work on my leadership and social skills. I have always been a shy person, but my work with the Garf has pushed me to overcome this trait.
High school students should consider The University of Olivet. It is a tight knit campus full of professors who notice and care. For students who need more support, or students who want to ease into independence, Olivet’s community can help smooth this transition and encourage you to branch out.
For more information about The University of Olivet, contact the Office of Admission at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
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