A lot of people ask me why I chose to enroll at Washington College. There are many things I love about the school, however I always tell the story of the visit that convinced me. Since I had indicated a specific interest in the Environmental program, I was invited to a special event on one of the school’s research boats, the Callinectes. The day was beautifully sunny with calm water, and out on the Chester River, I realized that this, among the plethora of other opportunities, was something I couldn’t get anywhere else. These personalized, unique experiences like using sonar equipment to view the bottom of a river and identifying passing wildlife were so exciting to me. The wonderful thing about Washington College is that no matter your academic interests, there is some experience like this available for you. You may someday have your own boat trip, but instead it will take the form of a discussion of modern literature with a published professor in the English department, an interactive demonstration in a Biology lab, or a chance to spend the afternoon with the basketball or rowing team. On the boat that day, I also met one of my now best friends, Alaina. You’ll find your own individual experience that allows you to picture yourself thriving here, and meet new people along the way.
All of the resources here at Washington College also allow for countless learning experience outside of the classroom. In my introductory environmental class, we had a weekly lab that usually involved some sort of trip, whether it be to the Chester River, a cluster of small ponds to collect samples, the River and Field Campus to survey trees, or the bird-banding station. This hands-on learning that takes you out of the classroom is common at WAC, and is one of my favorite things about my liberal arts college experience. My mind is not constantly confined to a blandly painted room with fluorescent lighting. I am challenged and encouraged to think outside the box, absorb inspiration from the world around me, and be active in working towards my educational goals.
So why enroll at Washington College? If you are a driven person looking for a school that will provide you with opportunities to learn in a highly personalized way, then Washington College is the school for you.
