Sappy Diatribe ahead... (original) (raw)

While at home for summer break, you are out running errands one day wearing your Whittier College t-shirt. A high school student approaches you and says that they are starting to think about colleges and has hear about Whittier on KROQ’s morning program, Kevin & Bean. They ask you why you chose Whittier and what you think of your experience so far. How would you answer?

Well, this is the number one question that I address in my tours, whether people ask it or not. Fundamentally, it comes down to two things, which have many components. I will only talk about the two things here, though; otherwise, this will start to look like some creepy admissions praise essay or something.
The first factor is community. This word gets thrown around incessantly at Whittier, but even after 3 years, or perhaps especially after 3 years, I really believe in it. Whittier’s community is truly diverse in many different senses, it is cohesive, it is invested; it is welcoming, flexible, supportive – so many things. The faculty are an active part of our community. Broadoaks is a part of our community. The students, both residential and commuter, are part of our community. Societies are part, not separate from, our community. This is what is attractive about Whittier, and it’s ultimately what keeps me here and happy. It’s easy to meet people, to make friends, to have new experiences, and to make the most of your college time. The school provides lots of opportunities, curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular, to help build, maintain, and refine the Whittier community. You can go on field trips to LA. You can watch free movies with your friends. You can lay on the upper quad. You can do all of these great Whittier-type things that really make this place special and unique. To that end, it is what you make it. You truly get out of this place what you put into it. Especially as a Whittier Scholar, I know this to be true within my own department, as well as on campus as a whole. If you give a lot to this community, it will give you a lot in return. The faculty, staff, and students all support each other, across age, role, and interest divisions. We come together to do things, to talk, to deal with issues, etc. This is not without flaws, of course, but fundamentally, Whittier College works, and rocks, because it is invested in the idea of a community of learners, friends, and individuals.
The second is the faculty themselves. I may not be the best person to talk to about clubs, social events, or having a “life” on campus – I am very invested in my schoolwork and probably don’t get out as much as I should. I know, however, that social things happen, they are cheap or free, they are accessible, and people are friendly and welcoming. If you want to do something, you can do it – socially. Academically, however, the faculty is stellar. Their investment in students as students and as people is far above and beyond what is expected or even hoped for. They want us to succeed in all endeavors; they want to know we are happy and healthy, we are making good decisions for us, and that we are ultimately given the chance to become excellent individuals. They do not overstep their boundaries, but support students in every way possible within those boundaries. They are interested, interesting, caring, creative, innovative, excited, unique, and are in effect an integral part of why the Whittier community succeeds as well as it does for me as a student here. This is the sort of school I would want to teach at if I were to be a professor. They are great role models, they are fun and funny, and they do great things with students – lectures, dinners at their homes, activities in the community, field trips, special and unique learning experiences. They challenge us, they challenge themselves, and they challenge each other. You can get what you want from them, too – they will leave you alone, or they will throw themselves into a project with you, depending on what you need. This flexibility and adaptability is especially appreciated.
There are many other reasons why Whittier is a stellar institution. It may not be an ivy league, but I think it’s better that way. I think I get more out of this school that way. There are more benefits to be reaped in new and different ways. Whittier takes risks, asks questions, and inspires students to push themselves.
(Now I will get off my soapbox. This is, by the way, how I really feel, and I would’ve written it for any other reason even if I wasn’t trying to get a job with you guys.)