Wheaton College

Date: Apr 09 2009
Major: Music - Performance (This Major's Salary over time)
My first year was rough. Even though I was an international student, I grew up with Americans so I was not expecting the culture shock that I felt.

But as hard as that year was, I've found that Wheaton College was a good place to be that first year (and still is now). While sometimes I felt that people were arrogant or uncaring or too busy for me, I found there are many, many people who were open to and interested in my culture and my perspective, and who are more than willing to help me understand their culture.

As I began to understand this culture and how to connect with people, I found they were interested in hearing how my experience differed from theirs. Students here are very open to new perspectives and to discussing different viewpoints with each other. They are willing to learn from each other and even to change their viewpoints. There are some close-minded people - but I think there will probably be those kinds of people anywhere. I know for myself that my own opinions or presumptions have often been challenged (in a good way) by someone else's search for the truth.

Obviously, Wheaton is not perfect. For some people it will be a better fit than for others, but even those who love it will say that it has its flaws and pitfalls. I have enjoyed the challenge of becoming a more thoughtful, sensitive, and effective respondent to the flaws and strengths of Wheaton, its professors, and its students - and hopefully to general life situations as well! :)