Why Wes? I chose Wes because I wanted a school where I could be challenged academically while still having the space to explore my love of music. I was really drawn in by the open curriculum and the way students are encouraged to explore their diverse interests and develop both depth and breadth of knowledge. I was excited that encountering students at Wes who are studying two completely different topics is super common. I also loved the fact the progressive independence housing model meant I would definitely have access to a kitchen all four years. I gotta be able to bake cookies at 2 am!

Extracurriculars: Notably Sharp a cappella, Láso (Latin American Student Organization), Women of Color Collective, knitting circle

Favorite Movie/Song/Book: My favorite movie is The Worst Person in the World, it’s a Norweigian movie that just came out and it’s so sweet and poignant and sad. My favorite book I’ve read recently is The Dispossessed by Ursula K Le Guin, which a friend recommended to me, and my favorite song right now is Heartbreak Anniversary by Giveon, but ask me again in a week and it will be different!

Why Wes? I chose Wes for the people. When I toured my junior year of high school, I instantly felt that I found my group of people. I knew that Wes was the place for me to explore my wide variety of interests, enjoy an open curriculum, and meet a community of diverse students. Everyone here is so excited to take full advantage of every opportunity which makes Wes such an inspiring place to be at.

Extracurriculars: WSA Senator, Community Committee member (WSA), Cardinal Kids, WesACLU

Favorite Book: Maurice by E. M. Forester, Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

Why Wes: During my college search I had a pretty specific set of criteria. I wanted a small college/university where I didn't just feel like a number, a good film program to nurture my hobby, and opportunities to try new things and explore. Wesleyan simply checked all of those boxes. But even more than that, I was struck by the collaborative culture and friendly demeanor that I encountered at every turn. After my Dad and I visited various colleges around the northeast and the rest of the country during my Junior Spring, we ranked each on a 1-10 scale in a plethora of categories, including campus attractiveness, curriculum, size, culture. etc. I ranked Wesleyan highest in just about every category. It was clear there was no other place for me than Wes, and I applied Early Decision early in my Senior Fall. Somehow, Wesleyan exceeded my expectations and I developed new passions in addition to fostering my old ones. Due to the open curriculum, I'm now majoring in two departments that I had almost no experience with prior to my arrival at Wes.

Why I love being a tour guide: I love showing people around my school! I remember when I toured Wes as a prospective student with an enthusiastic, engaged guide. It made a huge difference for me in my college search and I love that I can now give back and show new prospective students why I love Wes.   

Extracurriculars: Ultimate Frisbee (I play for both the all-gender team and the men's team), Survivor: Wesleyan (our Wes version of CBS's reality show Survivor)

Favorite Moment at Wes (so far): I loved teaching a student forum to my fellow Wes students called The Social Psychology of Survivor. Seeing the students compete in challenges and endure tribal councils while learning all about the psychology underlying their actions was pretty magical.

Favorite Movie: The Truman Show

Favorite Song: Blu (Acoustic) by Jon Bellion

Fun Fact: I have been to 49 of the 50 U.S. states. Hawaii still eludes me.

Why Wes: I loved that people are themselves and the flexibility in the curriculum. 

Extracurriculars: Varsity Cross Country and Track

Favorite Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You

Favorite Song: Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

Fun Fact: I have two crazy dogs! 

Why Wes: I knew I wanted to attend a small, highly academic institution. I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in, but I knew I eventually wanted to do something in the medical field. Wesleyan seemed like it would be a good fit for my undergrad to allow time to figure out what I want to do post-grad. I also knew I wanted to go somewhere with division 3 sports. The athletics aspect was a huge part for me because running has been an important part of my life for the past 10 years. I wanted to join a team that I could contribute significantly from the start. I committed to Wesleyan before even visiting, and to this day I am very happy with my decision. 

Extracurriculars: Women's Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track

Favorite Movie: The Hunger Games

Favorite Song: Enchanted by Taylor Swift

Fun Fact: I don't like chocolate chip cookies