Muhlenberg College

Date: Dec 19 2010
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
I have grown to like Muhlenberg College but I still have good and bad things to say it. I came from a diverse working class town and coming to Muhlenberg was a social shock and took a lot of adjusting. While, this school prides itself on being such a friendly and welcoming school, my experience has been a little different. First, it is not diverse and while people are not racist they are very close minded and have no experience with 'different'(anyone not rich and white). The majority of people here do no accept anyone who diverges from the norm. It is very much a 'marshmallow land( kids are very sheltered) and my experience being from a working class town( the town I grew up was 50%white,50%black,hispanic,asian,had a few gang problems, and many of the kids were on reduced or free lunch plans) caused people to view me as on outsider or 'strange'. Its stereotype on being a friendly school stems from people only being nice to people that are similar to them in demographic and race. The outside city is alright( fun things to do if your looking for more of a diverse experience) but the school looks down and categorizes the town as dangerous and gross. On the brighter side, college is about getting an education and the school has opened my eyes to learning. The psychology and women's studies departments are amazing and very accessible. The classes are small and comfortable and the work is interesting but challenging. That being said, if you are not happy at school socially it is very hard to get through the week of school work. I am very independent and have found a great group of friends( that are more than just party friends) but if you are not rich, white, and if you have come from any sort of rough background i suggest looking at a different school, unless you are willing to be only different one in your group of friends. My adjustment into a more upper class setting has not been easy and sometimes i can be very critical of people's close minded notions,but i have learned to appreciate the school for its great opportunities( study abroad, internships, research). The nightlife is not your typical 'four floor house party with kegs lining the walls' but I enjoy going to the bars and the small house parties with my friends. If you do come to this school and you feel a little like an outsider, don't change who you are and don't be afraid to change your group of friends. you'll find a group of people who love and accept you and its good for the school to see some difference on campus.