OPINIONS | Vol. 25, Issue 01 | 1

Small College, Big Opportunities

It can be difficult to choose a college with absolute certainty when it comes down to final commitment.

Compared to traditional universities, attending Whittier College with a small student body may seem intimidating. It can be difficult feeling exposed in a small classroom with fewer students. Though it can make you feel vulnerable, this intimate setting can provide many benefits and represents what the College is all about.

Three years ago, I could never believe the amount of progress that I would make thanks to the professors and resources that this school offers for students. The summer before my freshman year, I felt so overwhelmed dealing with scholarship money and having to set up payment plans for my tuition.

Luckily, the Office of Financial Aid (right across the street from California Grill off Philadelphia) was there to guide me. Their friendly staff walked me through the new Commerce Cashnet system and explained the different awards available to students during their time here at the College.

If you ask me, what really helps make the college journey less daunting is how small and intimate the classes are here. It gives students the opportunity to get one-on-one help as well as create bonds between classmates.

I took a statistics course my freshman year and was frightened upon entering the class everyday. However, by utilizing the office hours my professor offered, I managed to pass the class and felt extremely comfortable going to my professor.

Fast forward to present: I am now a TA for Statistics and have created a strong bond with my professor, who I not only view on a professional level, but as a best friend.

Regarding the significance of being at a small school, I was able to secure an internship my sophomore year here at the College with the help of the Career Center.

The Career Center is where students can go to find on campus jobs, internships and start building their resume early onto their years here at the College.

I was informed that, as a Psychology major, I could take a course that would allow me to start getting hands-on experience working at an elementary school.

Our campus offers such valuable resources that support academics, one being Student Accessibility Services or SAS (located next to The Center for Advising and Academic Success on the ground floor underneath the library). This is where students can go to request accommodations, which can help with receiving extra time on exams as well as assignments.

I will forever be grateful for taking advantage of this opportunity last semester when going through an unfortunate situation at home. I was able to request temporary accommodations that helped me stay on track with my classes and gave me that extra support that helped me finish the semester strong.

Life happens, balancing school and work is difficult to do, but with the help of the Counseling Center (located next to Campus Safety), receiving any form of mental health services helps with taking care of oneself both mentally as well as physically.

The fall semester is just getting started, so don’t be afraid to explore campus and put yourself out there!