Moving three hours away from her small hometown of Kalkaska, Michigan, felt like a daunting leap for junior Violet Porter, but her worries were quickly eased. From the moment she set foot on The University of Olivet’s campus, she knew she had found her place.
“Being three hours away from home sounded like an impossible challenge at first, but the minute I stepped on campus I was reminded of home. The small, tight-knit community made me feel so welcome and at home, and it eased my battle with homesickness immensely,” said Violet.
Much like Kalkaska, UOlivet had a familiar warmth. “Everyone seemed to know everyone, and it was small enough that I could walk anywhere I needed to get to. My first time on campus, I noticed the way everyone interacted with one another. Professors greeted students in the halls to catch up about their weekends. Everyone held open doors for each other, and cars stopped on Main Street to let groups of students pass. Olivet just felt so welcoming, and it has always reminded me of home,” she said.
Now in her third year, Violet has fully embraced life at UOlivet. As a biology major with a premedical concentration, she balances her studies with a full schedule of extracurriculars—including playing on the volleyball and softball teams and being an active member of Sigma Zeta, the President’s Leadership Institute and the Global Citizen Honors Program.
“Being at UOlivet has introduced me to so many new people, experiences and ideas that have helped shape me into the student and person I am today,” Violet said.
But one familiar face didn’t require an introduction—her brother, Benjamin Porter ’24 “The first time I heard about The University of Olivet was from my older brother who committed here to play football back in 2020,” Violet explained. “Having my big brother on campus was so cool. He’s one of my best friends, so having him around made me a lot less homesick. We weren’t in the same major or sport, so we had enough time apart to be with our own friends, but we also had lots of time to hang out together. Getting to go to college with my big brother is something that I will forever be grateful for, and I’m so glad we ended up at UOlivet.”
Beyond her brother, she found all the support she needed within the UOlivet community. “I have had older teammates pass down textbooks and help me with homework from classes they have already taken,” Violet said. “When I have been unable to make office hours, I’ve had multiple professors set up separate times to meet with me so I can get extra help. They’re so flexible and so supportive of student athletes with busy schedules. They truly want to see every student succeed. I also have had shoulder problems that I needed appointments for, and my coach and trainer have gone with me so my parents didn’t have to drive six hours round-trip to take me.”
From the very start, Violet knew she was surrounded by people who cared. “Early on during my first year, I remember telling my mom not to worry about me, because I had a list a mile long of coaches, trainers, advisors and professors down here that I knew I could always call if I ever needed anything. I think it put her mind at ease knowing that even though I was three hours from home, I had a strong support system full of people who genuinely cared about my well-being.In my three years at Olivet, every coach and professor has cared more about me as a person than just my academics or athletics.” Violet expressed.
With such comprehensive support, Violet feels confident exploring her future options. Though her career path is still taking shape, Violet’s passions point clearly toward her future. “I have always loved science, and I have always had a passion for helping others and working with kids. I hope to continue my education after graduating from UOlivet, and work in healthcare or the medical field in some capacity,” she said.
For Violet, UOlivet isn’t just a university—it’s a second home where her future takes shape with each passing day, surrounded by a community that feels like family.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at 269-200-4060 or admissions@uolivet.edu.