Hannah Strickland
Written by Hannah Strickland
I never wanted to go to college.
I had a good job and a great friend group, and the last few years at public high school had burned me out. Learning just wasn’t fun anymore, and I was given weird looks from my teachers if I tried to make connections between English and science classes or between algebra and the structure of an essay. In a few short years I had become completely disenchanted with education.
But, as many stubborn teenagers will tell you, my mom made me visit the college. My older brother had been at Hillsdale for two years already and had loved every minute. I came during Parents’ Weekend in October and immediately fell in love with every part of the place. The campus was beautiful in its autumn foliage, and everyone was so kind and so happy. Then I went to a lecture by Dr. Jackson, Dr. Stephens, and another professor whose name I can’t remember. The topic was “Which is higher: poetry or philosophy?” Students lined the hallways trying to listen.
I was sold.
I came in as a Classics major with a Music minor. I made my best friends within the first week of school and still live with them; we’ve gotten nothing but closer in our four years here. After taking Great Books II with Dr. Smith, at my roommate’s suggestion, I wanted to do nothing but read great literature and write about it for the rest of my life. The day I declared my English major was one of my favorite days here, and I basically have a minor in Dr. Smith. I’ve been able to take classes in Shakespeare, Dante, and (most recently) existentialist philosophy. Singing with the Chamber Choir has been one of the greatest joys of my life. The musicianship within the group continually confirms the organic beauty of chamber music. Sculpting with Professor Frudakis has not only taught me patience but also the music of the human form.
So, now I’m an English major with a Classics minor and enough credits in both music and art for two more minors. But the best part of Hillsdale is the people – whether professors, staff, or other students. They’re all clever, hilarious, kind, and incredibly creative and intelligent. I had never encountered so many artistic people in one place.
But after four years, I’m ready to say goodbye to the collegiate atmosphere. Some will tell you that it’s the easiest four years of your life, which might be true, but it hasn’t felt true. It’s one of the most emotionally and intellectually intense times of your life. We’ve lived an enormous amount of life in these four years. I’m incredibly thankful for all of the opportunities I’ve been given here for leadership, creativity, and friendship.
I don’t have plans for next year yet, but it’s only April. We’ll see what the Lord has in store for me in the next few years. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone at Hillsdale for making these four years so incredible. And thanks to my mom for making me visit.
Moms are always right, it turns out.
A senior English major, Hannah Strickland is heavily involved in the music, art, and classics departments. She has sung with the Hillsdale College Chamber choir since her freshman year.