Political Science

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. My parents chose to homeschool me from kindergarten until the 8th grade, when I entered high school at a local Christian school. Both proved to be excellent academic preparation for Hillsdale. I have two younger siblings—a 16-year-old sister and 11-year-old brother, with whom I am very close.

Here at Hillsdale, I have had the privilege of joining the Greek system, something I consider to be a wonderful complement to a Hillsdale education. As a Sigma Chi, I have had leadership opportunities, formed close friendships, and learned things about life that you just can’t learn from the classroom. I also participate in the Student Federation, work as a resident advisor in Galloway dorm, and play in the worship band at my local church.

Quite simply, Hillsdale stood out on my short list of colleges. As I made my second visits to various other schools, I realized that the tours, classes, and interviews began to blur together. While I may not have realized all the specifics at that time, there was something different about Hillsdale, if nothing more than the cozy little town, prestigious reputation, and cool-looking clock tower. I knew that if I attended this school, I would be challenged to learn as a student and grow as a person; I rarely turn down a challenge. Each day I’m here, I have new opportunities, and I realize more unique things about this school. I think I will keep learning those things until the day I graduate.

I value the community at Hillsdale. It is wonderful being able to walk across campus and see the many familiar faces of students and faculty. The relationships I've formed here are ones that I will keep for the rest of my life. I know that each person is here for the same reason I am: to learn. We derive our strong, uplifting community from that single, yet essential, purpose.

I hope to attend graduate school in an international economics or development program. I would love to travel as part of my job someday. While my plans are by no means certain, I know that I can enter graduate school or the workforce confidently because of my education here. The job market is hurting, but there will always be work for those who can stand out among the rest of college graduates.

Along M-99 going into the city of Hillsdale, there is a sign that reads: “Hillsdale: it’s the people.” While the sign is supposed to refer to the city, I’ve found it to be very applicable to our college as well. This college is what it is because of the people that come here: they are intelligent, congenial, ambitious, and fun. Each day I spend here is unique because of the people I spend it with.

My first class of my first day of my first year of Hillsdale was Beginning Latin with Dr. Weaire. He warned us all that possible side effects of his class could include dreaming in Latin, forgetting our own name because we knew so much vocabulary, and breaking dating relationships due to our newfound love of the classics. Of course, these were slight exaggerations, but I was still scared to death. I worked very hard each day because I knew that I couldn't fall behind in his class. Looking back, this was a great first class because it taught me hard work and dedication. I received an A in Dr. Weaire's class that semester.

Hillsdale's core curriculum helped me find my strengths as a student. Not only did it help me find my current major of economics, but it showed me how everything we study is connected. My understanding of economics would not be what it is today had I not first understood the basics of history, the U.S. Constitution, and science (each of these being a part of that core curriculum). Furthermore, classes like Latin honed my analytical thinking skills. I’m the type of person who needs some variety in life. While I love what I study, I think I would ultimately get bored by confining myself to one field of study.

bpainter@hillsdale.edu