I chose Heidelberg because of the flexibility that they offered. When I was going through my college search, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study – I had many interests, and wanted to do something that would help me explore all of them. Heidelberg’s several majors gave me the safety net of knowing that I could change my major without losing the community I found. It also helped that Heidelberg was just far enough away from my home in Marion, Ohio. I had some real freedom and independence, but I was still close enough that my mom could come up to have a meal with me when I was stressed about finals.
I majored in Philosophy for many reasons! Philosophy is the basis for almost all fields of study that are currently available at any university today. I like to think of philosophy as a dual-degree in history, rhetoric and critical thinking. The major is heavy in writing, and has provided me many opportunities to investigate the things I think are cool and important. Through my coursework, I was able to grow and focus on those things that are difficult to discuss, but essential to the human experience.
A major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was my symbolic logic class, and I handled it by reaching out to the professor and getting consistent help. I was going through this course during the Spring of 2020, and as soon as I was out of the classroom, the subject matter stopped connecting with me. Dr. Daryl Close, my advisor at the time, reached out to me after one difficult test, and arranged that we would have phone calls after every class, so he could be sure I was understanding the material. That one-on-one attention helped keep me motivated throughout the next two years, because:
1. If Dr. Close didn’t leave me behind, then he must believe I can be successful.
2. Dr. Close didn’t leave me behind.
∴ He must believe I can be successful.
Above all, Heidelberg prepared me to put myself out there. When I began college, I was hopeful, but shy. I had a lot of social anxiety and grief I was dealing with. Since attending Heidelberg, I have met so many people who are deeply encouraging to me. Their encouragement has helped me find so many opportunities and meet more people – I’ve really learned how to be honest about myself, and it’s an amazing feeling.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in the Euglossian Society, Student Senate, Make-A-Scene Improv Troupe, the Rock Creek Review and Morpheus; I also worked for Residence Life as an RA, and then as a Senior RA; I worked for the Office of Admission as a student ambassador, and then a manager; and I’m currently working as an intern for in the Marketing and Communication Office, and will be working here part-time over the summer and through next year.
My favorite extra-curricular activity was the Euglossian Society. I have always really appreciated the opportunity to have some personal responsibility for my community, and the Eugs allowed me to have that responsibility and level of care, while still being myself and a friend. It’s always difficult going into a leadership role with people who are familiar with you, but on the whole, the Eugs offered me the respect and opportunity to do what I felt was best for the group while I was serving as their president. I’m very proud of everyone in that group, and I’m looking forward to sending them some alumni money and a card every Christmas.
One faculty or staff mentor or advisor who impacted my ’Berg experience is Dr. Heleana Theixos. Since my sophomore year, she has always rooted for me. She’s given me many opportunities to grow as a philosophy student, and as a person. I know when I want to do something weird and academic, she is the person I can talk to. This past semester, she’s been one of my biggest supporters by helping me in an independent study on graduate programs. I didn’t always make it easy for her, but now I feel like I have a plan and next steps in mind. I’m really grateful for all of her guidance and her honesty with me.
My advice to new freshman-me would be, “keep doing what you’re doing.” Although I know I’ve made some mistakes, I don’t believe that anything else would teach me the same way all of my experiences have. I think freshman-me made pretty good decisions, for an 18-year-old.
My favorite Heidelberg memory is getting to be on Homecoming Court this past fall. The BergStock theme was so fun, and I was so excited and grateful to have the support of my family at home, and my ’Berg family here. It was nice to get to spend some time outside with my friends and interact with people I didn’t get to see very often!
My plans after graduation are to work over the summer as an Orientation Leader and as a part-time employee of the Heidelberg Marketing & Communication Office. This fall, I’ll be doing the PlusOneadvantage® MBA program. But ultimately, I want to be a professor and continue working in higher ed. I’m looking at some different programs, and will be applying throughout the summer to see where I land in Fall 2023!