Personal Narrative: Life After Colleges

Coming back from a year of being aboard has made me reminiscent of the joys of discovery and the thrilling feeling of adventure. One of the reasons I find myself applying to Dickinson is because I am eager for a change of scenery and the chance to explore a new place as I enter a new chapter in my life. I truly feel like I will be able to fully immerse myself in the community and acclimate the new environment.
Throughout my college search I have noticed again and again that I end up looking at small liberal arts colleges that can best prepare me for the real world and life after college. Dickinson has by far been one of my favorites. The small student body is both inviting and engaging. It is necessary to understand that diversity is not simply
just about race, but more about uniqueness, individuality, and what makes people different from one another. I look forward to being in a place where I will be able to see familiar faces while at the same time constantly meet new people from all walks of life who all share different experiences and stories. I have been attending small schools all my life and I want my college experience to share the same feeling of being like going to school with a large family.
Personally, the most attractive part of Dickinson is the community.
From what I have seen, everyone is generally active and involved, so I am positive I will fit in well. I have a strong desire to not only be a part of the community, but to play my role in it as well. I value community service and understand the importance of being selfless, taking initiative, and helping those in need. My school is very involved in working with the surrounding neighborhood through annual drives such as the blood drive, toy drive, diaper drive, candy drive, and turkey drive which I have taken part in. Additionally, as a Peer Leader I help organize various events and activities throughout the year. I was part of a transition program and was able to talk about my experiences at school with a group of seventh graders so that they would know what to expect. I have also recently been trained by the One Love Foundation to lead a workshop on abusive relationships with the seniors. My job is to be a resource to everyone on campus, old and young. I truly believe that a strong community is the most crucial part of a school, which is why I try my best to strengthen it by engaging in conversations with my peers and making myself available to everyone. Thus, I feel like at Dickinson, I will be able to continue to do what I love and be part of the community, while making connections to the people around
me.
I have been abroad China, Spain, and Japan and my traveling has truly enabled me to see the world in a different fashion. Knowing that college is only as good as what you make of it, I plan to take advantage of every opportunity presented to me whether that is a chance to study aboard, take part in an internship, or help out in the community. Moreover, although I have not had the opportunity to visit Dickinson yet, I plan to do so if I am accepted. I feel like Dickinson has the potential to become my home away from home while providing me with endless opportunities to better myself as a student and grow as a person. Ultimately, I feel as though I can live by the school motto “Freedom is made safe through character and learning,” and let the world become my classroom as I broaden my horizons and expand my education.