How big of a role did the affordability of Grove City College play in your college decision making process?
The affordability of Grove City College, in combination with the financial aid package that the College offered me, played a huge role in my college decision-making process. Other colleges offered me relatively generous financial aid packages, but then their prices only matched Grove City College's sticker price. I still would have had to take out loans to afford college. Then, the College came through very generous financial aid. I am able to graduate from college debt-free. I don’t know if I could say that if I went somewhere else.
How were you spiritually engaged while at Grove City College?
I like that there aren’t services on campus on Sunday mornings. I attended a local church with my friends, and I liked being involved in the local spiritual community that way. I also attended a senior women’s Bible study at the president’s house that was led by Mrs. McNulty and Mrs. Messer, who is married to Dr. Messer in the Department of English. That Bible study was one of the highlights of my last semester on campus. Mrs. McNulty and Mrs. Messer were very encouraging.
How would you describe the level of academics you experienced at Grove City College?
Some of my classes were incredibly challenging, and I came out of them a better thinker and a better student. When you’re in upper-level classes, you have the opportunity to be engaged in independent study. That’s something that I took advantage of. If you have the vision and the drive to accomplish something academically, professors are more than willing to work with you to make that happen.
What are some of the ways that professors ensure that students not only receive information but truly learn and understand how to apply that information?
Professors teach the material in a variety of ways to help us grasp abstract concepts. Professors are available for individual help outside of class, and they are willing to explain ideas in an individualized way to make sure that students understand it. I did an independent research study my last semester, and I met with my advisor on a weekly basis to process what I was learning. She asked me questions and helped me think through the big picture of what I was learning.
What advice would you give to an incoming student?
You can take advantage of the opportunities available at the College without overextending yourself. There are many extracurricular opportunities and ways to get involved, but you’ll find where you fit. I didn’t join any organizations until the second semester of my first year, and I’m so glad that I did that. As a senior, I had two on-campus jobs and was involved in a few organizations that I care about a lot.
How would you describe the relationship that the students have with each other on campus?
The friends I made are incredibly supportive and loving, and that seems to be how a lot of friendships on campus are. I studied abroad for an entire year, so I was worried that I might miss bonding with my friends. However, we had reunions over the summer before I left and between my semesters away. When I got back on campus, I was actually overwhelmed with how excited everyone was to be together again. I made friendships that can survive incredibly long distances, and that’s something that will help us as we all graduate. I made friends for life.
Learn more about Grove City College's B.A. in Communication Studies.