Warren Wilson College

Date: Oct 09 2008
Major: English (This Major's Salary over time)
Having lived on campus at Warren Wilson for nearly four years, I feel like I have had the pleasure of seeing nearly all the sides of itself that this campus has to offer. While there had been some bumps in the road, I would say that my experience at Warren Wilson has been one that I would not trade.

From my freshman orientation to present, the faculty, staff, and student body have been warm. While not everyone I have met have been come mainstays in my social life, a vast majority of them have (including professors, work crew supervisors, and even Deans). Above and beyond being friendly and genuinely caring, these individuals are truly intelligent and gifted. I have received great counsel (academic and personal) for innumerable places.

The English department, like many other departments including Chemistry and Education), is grossly overqualified. Without a doubt, these individuals could be teaching at Ivy League schools. However, they are teaching here and giving their expertise and individualized attention to their students (which is easily done considering that I have never been in a class with over thirty people and do not consider it to be strange if my class is only of six people). Lectures are enlightening, discussions are engaging, and feedback is easily available if one wishes to find it. Professors are more than willing to create a personal relationship with their students and that really improves the dynamic of classrooms and of individual learning.

The Work program has not only given me skills which I feel confident will be able to help me later on in life, but it has also given my another niche. My work crew has become more like close friends who strive to do well by the college and help each other through difficult times (be they work, academic, and personal in nature). However, also, this situation like the academic one is not smothering. Help, insight, and what not is given when asked and reserved when requested.

The Service program, while difficult to always fit into a week, has also been rewarding allowing me (after some trail and error) to find a service project that resonates with me. While I work with children, my roommate works with animals. Nearly any passion can be accommodated.

The resources for a college this size are superb. While our library may be considered small, the interlibrary loan system connects Wilson students to huge academic possibility. Under represented groups are well represented and respected at Wilson as seen by various resource centers around campus.

While there are acts of vandalism, the community often rises to the occasion to remedy the situation. Because of the strong sense of community, I can safely say that I have never been in a position on campus where I have felt unsafe.

There is the use of alcohol and illicit drugs on campus, but I would say no more than any other campus. I have said to friends and family that are not familiar with Wilson that I would rather be at a school which is known for drinking PBR and smoking some joints than a school known for doing coke and pounding hard liquor. All in all, I would say that Wilson is no different from any other college campus in concerns to our substance use.

All in all, Wilson has been a great experience. I feel like through out my time here I have made lasting friendships, been prepared for graduate school, and generally had a good time.