Emily Tharnish, '17

B.S. in Chemistry

Do you feel like you made any concessions to come to a school that is reasonably priced?
I do not feel like I had to make a compromise, give up, or miss out on anything in favor of going to a less expensive liberal arts school because Grove City College offers so many opportunities, and I know that I received a high-quality education. It was nice to focus on getting the most out of my college experience without having to worry as much about how I would pay for it.

How was your faith strengthened and perhaps even challenged at Grove City College?
Grove City College is a place with a unique Christian environment and culture. I met so many amazing people and was able to develop close friendships with people who share the faith that is so important to me. The cool thing about Grove City College is that even among Christians, there are many different people with different views, which helped me to think about things in new ways and examine my own beliefs more critically.

How would you describe the level of academics you have experienced during your time at Grove City College?
Grove City College is definitely not a place where you can just coast by without effort, which I consider a very good thing. The academics are challenging, but I found them to be rewarding. I like to be challenged in order to grow. There is definitely a great feeling of accomplishment derived from overcoming academic struggles and knowing that I am more educated and knowledgeable as a result.

What is the relationship like between the students and the professors?
The professor-student relationship is one of my favorite things about the culture of Grove City College. Being a smaller school, there are many more opportunities for interaction between professors and students. I liked knowing that I was not just a face in an overflowing lecture hall or a name on a roster. Professors truly care about their students both in academic and personal capacities.

What led you to choose chemistry as your major?
For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed solving puzzles and learning how things work. I’m keen on using critical thinking and applying concepts I’ve learned to solve complex problems, and I’m also fascinated by understanding the world around me and how it functions.That's why I chose chemistry as a major. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. I would love to be able to use my talents to come up with new ideas and solutions to tangible problems that will benefit people in meaningful ways.

What are some of the things you did during your free time either on or off campus?
The highlights were my musical activities. Music has always been a passion of mine, and I have been singing since I could talk. I was very involved in music and theater in high school, and I continued that involvement when I got to college. One of the reasons I love Grove City College is that I could participate in musical activities even though I was a science major. It gave me a chance to become a more well-rounded person and be part of amazing communities of people that share my love of music. I was an active part of the marching band, touring choir, orchestra, and musicals. Through these activities, I was been able to express myself creatively, experience beauty through music, and meet some of my closest friends.

How would you describe the relationship that the students have with each other on campus?
Most of the students on Grove City College’s campus are incredibly kind, helpful, and compassionate. Students are encouraging and supportive through the stresses and struggles that accompany the college experience, and they share in each other’s joy as well. I had experiences elsewhere in which music and theater were all about competition and tearing down others. When I came to Grove City College, the people in the choir and musical were so supportive of each other’s talent and wanted to build others up. It was such a nice, refreshing change!

Learn more about Grove City College's B.S. in Chemistry

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