Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, I come from a large Christian family of nine. Having four older siblings, the majority of my life was already paved for me. I would follow in my siblings' footsteps and caddy at a nearby country club, play soccer, run track, and most certainly do well in school. My parents both worked and always went the extra mile to provide for us. Their commitment and dedication to us acted as a guideline for me to do the same in academics, work, and sports.
In the early stages of my senior year at Central Catholic High School, I applied for the Chick Evans Caddy Scholarship. My four older siblings all received this generous full-ride scholarship and attended Miami University. After looking into the school, I was hoping to continue this tradition and attend Miami University as an Evans Scholar. Upon receiving the scholarship in late November, I was all set to begin a new four years, with my siblings leading the way. Shortly thereafter I was introduced to Hillsdale, a small school that would change my direction in life for the best.

When visiting Hillsdale in early December, I didn’t really embrace Hillsdale as much as I should have. After already having a full-ride to a great school, I just went through the motions. While I was packing up for Toledo, I had this awkward feeling that I didn’t want to leave. It was a feeling that I had felt before, of that of home and family. On the ride back, I had realized that Hillsdale was not like any other school I had visited. During my visit, I was personally interviewed by an Admissions counselor, and was later introduced to the president and vice president of the College. When visiting classes, I was able to see the students engaging with the professor regularly. Many students talked to me before and after class and immediately made me feel comfortable and at home. I saw students who wanted to better themselves and each other. This community was one that I wanted to become a part of, and therefore I turned down the Evans Scholarship and gave it to someone else, a decision that I am always grateful for.

Hillsdale is a great place to grow. You are surrounded by those who pursue bettering themselves, and you have an opportunity for self-government by signing the Honor Code with the College. Not only are you able to develop as an individual, but you also have the opportunity to make an impact. Hillsdale is a small school where leadership thrives. As a freshman, I had the opportunity to help found the men’s soccer club. After our first season, I became the president of the club and immediately starting planning for the next year. The next season I was able to develop into a leader by coaching and managing the team to a successful 5-5 record.

I plan to graduate from Hillsdale with a major in financial management. Having much experience in the business field, I hope to pursue working in the financial sector, but will also keep my options open elsewhere. Managing a concessions stand while interning at a financial wealth company this previous summer has taught me many aspects of business which I hope to continue learning through my education.

Working in the Admissions Office as a student ambassador, I am occasionally given the opportunity to represent Hillsdale at nearby college fairs. As a sophomore, I attended a college fair at Notre Dame High School. During the fair, I was able to meet some of the admissions counselors from other colleges. They all thought it was so crazy that Hillsdale trusts their students enough that they would send out their students to represent their school. This always reminded me of the strong trust relationship that Hillsdale students and faculty share here.

During my freshman year, my advisor took our entire mentor group out to his house for dinner. His wife cooked and he introduced us to his 3- and 5-year-old children. I got to spend time meeting other freshmen and also talked to the professor about what classes I should pursue. After a long conversation, he suggested some professors and made aware to me that I could always come find him in his office if I had questions. This was a prime example to me of how the professors and employees of Hillsdale really care about the students enough to know them individually and to assist them as needed.

Coming into college undecided, Hillsdale’s core helped develop what I wanted to pursue in life. It has challenged me to become more successful and taught me an intellect to decide what is important and true. Because I've taken core classes such as history or English, Hillsdale’s liberal education has also made me overall more well-rounded with a broader understanding of ancient literature. The knowledge I have gained from these courses will always be treasured as they have taught me not only how to learn, but also how to live.

atracey@hillsdale.edu