History

I grew up right outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. As an only child, I have always had the full attention of my parents. Although it is often the complaint of only children that their parents pay them too much attention, my parents have been the biggest blessing in my life. Thanks to them, I have had more opportunities than I could ever count. From 6th to 12th grade, I attended a classically centered Catholic school that prepared me well for the rigors of Hillsdale. I was blessed to have teachers who after graduation became my friends, and who I still visit when I am home during breaks.
In high school, I was involved in the choir, the National Honor Society, and the pro-life club. Outside of school, I took voice lessons, volunteered at the hospital, and participated in both individual and synchronized figure skating.

When my mom first suggested that I should check out Hillsdale, all I could think was "Why would I want to go to school in Michigan?" Having grown up in the Midwest, I always assumed I would get away by going to college on one of the coasts. During senior year, I visited Hillsdale and loved it (although I did my best to hide this from my mom). As a prospective student, I attended four classes and spent two nights in the dorms. The student ambassador I was paired with went out of her way to make my stay at Hillsdale wonderful by allowing me to hang out with her and her friends for almost two full days. By the end of my visit, I truly felt like Hillsdale was home. I knew from the moment I walked onto campus freshman year that I had made the right choice. Although being a Hillsdale student isn't always easy, I would never want to be anywhere else.

I know everyone gives this answer, but my favorite thing about Hillsdale really is the people. In high school I had three best friends, and was afraid that when I came to college I would not be able to find friends like I had had in high school. However, this has not been a problem. I have more great friends at Hillsdale than I could possibly ask for--people who I will stay in contact with for the rest of my life.
Of course the professors are also an essential part of what makes Hillsdale Hillsdale. They really do care about their students, and devote so much of their time to making sure we get the most out of our eduction. One of my favorite professors, Dr. Folsom, once spent 45 minutes during his office hours just talking to get to know me better. Although I am sure he has better things he could be doing (like writing his next book), he took this time just to get to know me as a student. It is experiences like this that truly make a Hillsdale education unique.

After graduation I would really like to move to Washington, D.C. (my favorite city), and either work on the Hill for a short time, get a job in public relations, or work with a student outreach program such as YAF. Working as a student ambassador at the College has taught me that I love working with people, and I would like find a job where I could do this. After working for a while, I would consider going to grad school for a master's in public policy or business. At the same time, any of this could change, so it is nice to know that the liberal arts education provided by Hillsdale will prepare me for whatever happens in life.

As much as I have loved all my classes, I think some of my favorite memories come from experiences that Hillsdale has provided me outside the classroom. As a member of the Honors Program, I have been fortunate to go on the two school-sponsored Spring Break trips, one to Philadelphia and a second to Boston. Visiting these historic cities with my friends and fellow students as well as a history professor who is a fount of knowledge was an opportunity not to be missed. Hillsdale has also gave me the chance to attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C., twice, as well as the opportunity to intern in the Capitol for a summer. I am also very excited about the trip to Turkey I will be taking with my classmates this spring!

Sophomore year I had the opportunity to take a class with Hillsdale president Dr. Arnn. However, due to the March for Life in Washington, D.C., I missed the first class of the semester. Turns out when I was away, Dr. Arnn called roll, and when he came upon my name, which means wisdom in Greek, he decided to give a 30-minute impromptu lecture on its meaning. Let's just say he has never forgotten my name since!

Hillsdale's core curriculum takes you out of your comfort zone, forcing you to take classes you perhaps wouldn't otherwise. It is these types of experiences, though, that truly shape one as a student, and develop one as a person. This is, of course, the purpose of a liberal arts college. I have always loved how the core makes one realize how connected all the different disciplines are to one another. It is the coolest experience to be learning one thing in an American Heritage class, and have same concept come up in Constitution or English or Philosophy class.

scarr@hillsdale.edu