Small-school feel, big-school opportunities

By: Olivia Wile
Twitter: o_wile
Email: wileo@findlay.edu

With a little over 3,5000 undergraduate students at the University of Findlay, those who decide to call Oiler Nation their home typically do so for its small-school feel. With that small-school feel, however, also comes big-school opportunity.

From job fairs to internship partners, there is no question the University actively works to set students up for success after graduation. Interactive lectures, innumerable extracurricular options and a plethora of student services are just a few more examples as to how UF is dedicated to its students.

As a junior journalism and digital media major, creative writing minor and athlete on the UF swim and dive team, the University allows to me to cultivate a diverse set of skills I don’t think I could get anywhere else.

Since my freshman year, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved with the Findlay Media Network, the branch of media outlets at UF including the Pulse, UFTV and WLFC. As a sophomore, I stepped into the leadership role of head editor of our student newspaper and this year I am working more with the TV station as I help produce and anchor a new sports show, Black and Orange Sports Buzz. In addition to my extra curricular activities, I balance a 20-hour athletic week, an 18-credit hour course schedule and an internship.

I think it’s safe to say that trying to balance all of this on my own at a bigger school would prove to be impossible. As a result, I’m lucky to be apart of such a great academic department that provides me with both opportunities and guidance. I’m also lucky to be apart of an athletic team that stresses the well being of its student athletes.

These reasons are exactly what make the University of Findlay so special. It allows students to tailor their own path, the flexibility to navigate it and the support to get through it. With small class sizes, professors and coaches that care and a university dedicated to the success of its students, I can’t think of a better place to be a student-athlete and human being and not simply a number.

The U.S. News article “10 Reasons to go to a small college” emphasizes the many benefits of going to a small college, but especially this.

“You get the feeling that you count. Large universities can be very alienating places. There it’s easy to feel that no one cares about you and whether you learn anything. At most small colleges, they have room to care. Group hug, anyone?”

Though I have not seen masses of group hugs in the AMU, College of Business and Student Life Center, Shafer or anywhere else on campus, I’m sure if that’s what would ensure the well-being of students, UF would make it happen.

Pull quote – “Large universities can be very alienating places. There it’s easy to feel that no one cares about you and whether you learn anything. At most small colleges, they have room to care.”

 

-U.S. News

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