I came into Saint Joseph's University with a negative outlook. I did not want to come to this school. It was my last choice. The only reason I came here was because of the scholarship I was given. I thought I would absolutely hate it here. My best friend begged me not to go into this school. "You're so much better than that school. Why are you going there? Don't go! I beg you! I know people there who are reallyyyy stupid." I was so dejected coming into St. Joe's. Before I even started I was positive I would transfer as soon as I got the chance.BOY WAS I WRONGGG. It only took my first coup;le of days here for me to realize that all these assumptions and preconceived notions were completely, utterly false and ridiculous.
I made friends immediately--- Everyone was so nice and welcoming that I thought I was in some sort of dream. Making friends was one of my biggest fears coming into St. Joe's. I was surprised at how effortless and instant it was for me to meet such amazing people whom I now can't imagine life without. The people here are great, and I can't stress this enough!! The upperclassmen are not supercilious at all, and they immediately made me feel like an equal, not an inferior.
My professors are amazing--- I must say I absolutely adore all of the professors I've had, with the exception of only one who was rather boring and disengaging. However, he was a very nice man who cared about his students and wanted us to succeed. My profs are ridiculously approachable, understanding, and intelligent. It is an honor to have such amazing profs who care so much about their students' success. Whenever I had problems in a class I never felt hesitant to go to my professors during their office hours. They made me feel completely comfortable and encouraged me to succeed and embrace the challenges that came with taking difficult courses.
I actually like my classes!!---Okay, so I thought that taking all these GER (general education requirements) courses would be a major pain. False! I actually enjoy ALMOST all of them! I even love the class that I'm doing poorly in! (calculus) No joke! I love the class and I like the prof, it's just a matter of improving my time-management skills. I have not yet taken electives, but I've heard from upperclassmen that they enjoy the electives they are taking. I can't wait until I get to take electives! There are numerous challenging courses students may take in their intellectual pursuit.
I absolutely love my dorm!----Okay, so I live in the best dorm everrrr...MCSHAIN!! It's a gorgeous building, the rooms are spacious, the RAs rockk, the security guards by the desk become your friends, and so much more! but this doesn't mean that the other houses and dorms are any less amazing. Most of my friends love where they live, and I've heard very few (if any) complaints.
The clubs and activities here are endless!!----There are so many ways for students to get involved, and everyone is bound to find something if they are willing to! I'm currently a staff writer for the Hawk Newspaper, a member of the Villiger Speech and Debate team, a first year leadership member, and a proud Koinonia participant. There are so many things to do...whether it be academically oriented, athletically oriented, performing arts oriented, culturally oriented, community service oriented, etc. We have so much school spirit here and we love to get involved!!!!
The students here care about the community---We are known for having so many service-related opportunities! It is unbelievable how many service opportunities are available to students! I am currently in a service-learning course, in which a course I am taking (Social Problems) is supplemented by completing community service at a service site once a week. I love service learning and think it is a wonderful way to learn and grow outside of the classroom setting. I also participated in PSIP, a summer immpersion program before classes started, and it was great making new friends and serving the community and getting to know Philadelphia at the same time. We love giving back to the community, and we participate in volunteer work not because we are required to, but because we WANT to and we LOVE to.
I feel like part of a family here, and I feel so safe! --I can honestly call St. Joe's my second home and the people here my second family. And Since this is my home and the people here are my family, I can't explain how safe and comfortable I feel being here. I don't go home on weekends as I am from NYC, and I feel totally fine walking around on campus at night.
SO YES. I could go on raving about St. Joe's. I would've never guessed at how much I would love being a Hawk. This is the best school ever!!!!! This is coming from a gal who came into the school who was intitially absolutely positively sure that she would hate it here. That her life would be over by coming here. That she was too good for this school. This is a great university with so many bright, motivated, friendly, passionate, and enthusiastic students. I am blessed to be here, and anyone would be, too.
PARENTS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: If you have ANY quesitons or concerns, it would be my sincerest pleasure to answer them! You may email me at , and I will address your them to the best of my abilities as soon as possible. :)
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