I grew up with two sisters and though people sympathetically pat my dad on the back for living with three teenage girls, I am constantly blessed by my family. Besides Hillsdale, I have always lived in Annapolis, Maryland--sailing capital of the world. I thoroughly enjoyed this location, especially with its proximity to D.C., New York, Philadelphia, and the Atlantic Ocean. I have played flute for over ten years. I love to cook, to act, to read early 20th century fiction, to play soccer, to arrange flowers, to learn languages, to marvel at God's creation, and to travel.

After years of resistance to the idea of attending my older sister's college, I began to think about the effects of college community upon one's character. When I considered the average student at the top schools on my list, I realized that I did not want them to participate in forming my character. The average Hillsdale student, on the other hand, pursued truth, lived life beautifully, and thought deeply about his moral convictions. In addition to these considerations, the amazing admissions counselors convinced me of the timeless and pure vision of Hillsdale's education. For these two reasons, I chose Hillsdale College.

I love the walk from my dormitory to class in the morning, as the sun is rising and the towering trees are shaking off snow from last night. I love Sunday brunch when most students come from church to wait in line for omelets and share a leisurely meal. I love seeing the administration around campus, speaking to students with genuine interest. I love the people that I get to live life with here.

After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school in order to study international relations or law. I would like After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school in order to study International Relations or Law. I would like eventually to work at U.S. embassies in French-speaking Africa.

One unique experience on campus is the Visiting Writer Series. One of the most magical times of my freshman year occurred after Jeff Hardin visited for the Author Lecture series. He read his beautiful poetry in the Dow Center, and afterwards, about 20 of us met up at an off-campus house to talk with the poet and share poetry we loved. We sang songs and laughed, many recited poems, and Mr. Hardin shared about his poetry. A farmer from out of town recited Robert Frost's "After Apple-picking" which truly brought me to tears. I'll never forget the wonderful privilege of learning from this talented poet with fellow students who loved to admire God's beauty in written form.

My favorite professor story actually occurred before I came to Hillsdale for my freshman year in 2011. I was already enrolled and preparing to head to college, when I attended the Winston Churchill and World War II high-school study abroad trip in England and France. It was Bastille Day and we were in Caen. At dinner, I got to speak with Dr. Mark Kalthoff about the natures of truth, beauty, and goodness. After dinner, with my professors and fellow classmates, I watched the Bastille Day fireworks from William the Conqueror's ancient fortress. Studying under Dr. Kalthoff and Dr. Conner in England and France contributed to my love of history and my excitement for attending Hillsdale College. I'm not sure that any other school encourages or facilitates such remarkable faculty involvement. I am so thankful that Hillsdale does.

With each semester, I grow more convinced of the beautiful inter-connectedness of the liberal arts. As I travel this semester between Calculus, French, History of Western Science, ballet, and Political Economy, I marvel at the parallels between every discipline. I realize that the core curriculum introduces each student to truth that they may not have encountered if beginning focused studies at once. The core curriculum impacts students of Hillsdale College by fostering an attitude of humility in the face of the depth and breadth of creation.

mcaton1@hillsdale.edu