Why did I choose to attend Southeast?

As a Speech and Theatre Education major, I was first attracted to Southeast because of the River Campus. However, when I got to know more about the university, I discovered many other reasons that made it a good fit for me, too. I loved that Southeast has such a strong tradition of training future teachers. Not only that, but the campus is also attractive, and I felt like I could really see myself living here and being happy. I could fulfill my ideas of what 'college life' was supposed to be like.

I also liked that SEMO isn't so far from home that I couldn't come back when I wanted, but not so close that I'd be tempted to come home all the time. It was my first choice as a school, and because I received a scholarship comparable to other schools I applied at, financially it was a good choice. Overall, Southeast was the complete package of everything I was looking for in a school, nice facilities, good programs in my major, aesthetically pleasing, and a real college campus feel!

What have been my experiences as a Southeast student since I moved on-campus and classes began?

Move-in day really started my experience off right. It was fast and I really felt settled in by the time my family left. I love my room; I am staying in Vandiver Hall on the Honors floor. The people are really cool, although not as social as some of the floors I've visited, which is a good thing when I need to study. The location is great for me because so many of my classes are at the River Campus and I can ride my bike there and get in some excercise to avoid the infamous "freshman fifteen" (or twenty or whatever it is now.) It's in a central location right by Kent Library and the University Center. Plus, residence life did an incredible job matching me up with a roommate. She's really an awesome person and there are no gripes about what music to listen to. I definitely see our friendship being a good one. I'm really pleased with how everything about where and who I'm living with has worked out.

My classes have been really interesting as well. I've loved being able to dive right into classes that pertain to my major, and not having to finish all my university studies courses right away. I feel like my classes have allowed me to get to know so many people interested in the same things as me. I feel like I have a good balance of really challenging classes and less stressful ones.

I've been bombarded by opportunities to get involved since I arrived. There are so many clubs to get involved in and meetings to go to; I have to remember to keep time for homework, too! I've also noticed most organizations provide food, which is always a perk. I have gone to Honors Council activities and meetings, University Players activities and meetings, and am excited to get involved in Catholic Campus Ministry. I also joined the Choral Union, and I am excited to sing the Messiah this semester.

Of course there have been downfalls: Extreme heat, torrential downpours, food that I probably shouldn't have ventured to try, quirky professors, pop quizzes, and getting lost and taking the 'long way' somewhere. However, I take it all in stride; a college experience wouldn't be complete without some of those stories to tell. Overall, Southeast has been good and actually better than I hoped in some respects. I hope the trend continues.

Printer-friendly

E-mail this page to a friend