The end of the year is upon us and finals are looming. You’ve got papers due and exams to study for and you’re probably often wondering why is college so stressful? It’s easy when we’re so bogged down with work to forget all of the amazing things about Kenyon, but despite the sleepless nights and the mountain of tasks piling up, there are many reasons why we should be thankful that we go to this college.
1. The classes are super interesting.
I know you may not be loving your classes right now because of all of the assignments you have due, but just think how much better they are than the courses we were forced to take in high school. My English courses are actually about fascinating books and are full of insightful conversations, instead of focused on learning about how to write an AP essay. And last semester, I took a class all about immigration—a topic we never even touched on in high school. Yes, our classes are a lot of work, but we also get to decide which to take, and they enable us to learn so much about topics that we truly feel passionate about.
2. The professors are amazing.
On a similar note, our professors here are truly incredible. They’re so knowledgeable about the subjects they teach and are always willing to talk to you about any concerns or help if you’re confused about something. Plus, since we’re such a small school, all of my professors actually know my name, and when I talk to them, I feel like they really do want me to improve and succeed. You can’t beat that!
3. The campus is gorgeous.
Now that the weather is warm, we really get to appreciate the picturesque Kenyon that was promised to us in all of the brochures. Buy Kenyon is truly beautiful in any season, from the amazing fall leaves, to the winter wonderland feel when the campus is covered in snow, to the sprawling green grasses and flowers that decorate middle path in the spring. We have old and beautiful buildings and an idyllic countryside you can appreciate on the Gap Trail. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.
4. The amenities are pretty great.
The KAC, the Gap Trail, Weaver Cottage, 3rd Floor Ascension, Gund Gallery—I could go on, but you get the idea. We’re so lucky that we have access to all of these amazing spaces: whether you want to work out, go for a swim, take a bike ride, or study in a cozy space, Kenyon has the place to do it. Sure, we might complain about the ugliness of the library (or the fact that it’s getting torn down), but Kenyon really does have many great places in which to study and hang out that students nearly always have access to.
5. You meet wonderful people.
Admissions loves to go on and on about how much Kenyon is a community, but you really do meet some amazing people here. My classmates are engaged in my classes and frequently challenge my thoughts with their comment, and my friends provide wonderful conversation, good times, and a sense of home far away form my family. We’re all about to be apart from one another for several months, so take a break from work for a bit and spend some time with the people that really make your Kenyon experience.
The end of the semester is a rough time, but it’s also the perfect time to remember why we all chose Kenyon. Our school may not be perfect, but we truly are lucky to be here.
Image credits: Kenyon College, Rebecca Frank