As I prepare to begin my freshman year at Denison University, I’ve taken time to look back on my time going through the college application process. My feelings were all over the place: excited, nervous, even uncertain. I was overcome by stress as I had to narrow down the One: the place where I would spend the next four years of my life exploring new things and pursuing my education. I spent weeks upon weeks trying to narrow down a choice, and it was one of the most overwhelming times of my life, but now that it’s all over, I’m glad I spent so much time thinking about it because now I feel so undeniably confident in my decision. Packing for college and thinking about the year ahead of me had me thinking about why I chose to attend Denison, and what made me feel like this school was the college where I wanted to belong… and why I know I made the right choice.
1. The education: I applied to five small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest because I was looking for a school where I could fully embrace a variety of interests and explore areas I had never immersed myself in before. Denison isn’t just that; it’s so much more. When I visited the school for the first time, I knew that this was a place where someone could thrive in their classes and enjoy every second. Each person I talked to said one of the many things they loved about the school was the fact that there were so many interesting options to study and that each class, although it may have been difficult, was ultimately rewarding. And all of that would not have been successful without the fantastic professors that Denison has to offer. Each class is a new adventure, and no matter what path you choose to immerse your studies in, it will be worth it in the long run. The education offered at Denison University is one of the best in the country, and I’m so proud to call it my school because I know that it’s going to be an extremely rewarding experience.
2. The community: From the few times I’ve been on campus so far, I haven’t walked far without seeing someone smile or hearing a hello. I hadn’t experience that sense of community at any of the other schools I visited; that made Denison stick out to me and it continues to do so to this day. Everyone at Denison seemed like a family each time I visited, and I knew that tight knit environment was exactly what I was looking for when trying to figure out where I wanted to go to school. From clubs to classes, people at Denison are intelligent, funny, determined, and committed to making a meaningful presence on the Hill. The connections you form at Denison are ones that will last a lifetime, and there’s always someone out there willing to give you a helping hand. People here are passionate not only about being connected to their activities but to one another, and that makes Denison so great.
3. The campus: It’s undeniable that Denison is a beautiful place to be. A walk around campus is a new experience as each season comes around, and the mix of modern and older architecture makes the campus all the more unique. Driving into town and seeing the top of Swasey Chapel before riding up the hill is sight in itself and a welcome home each time I come back to campus Through the seasons, Denison carries on an atmosphere unlike no other that truly makes one feel at home no matter what. It’s one of the most picturesque colleges in the country, and it was definitely hard to turn away from the campus beauty once I visited Denison for the first time.
I have never been more excited for a school year than I am as I write this, and I can’t wait to discover more of what Denison University has to offer. I have a feeling it’s going to be great.