Throughout my college application journey in searching for the campus I would soon call home, I had a few things in mind. I had some standards that I firmly believed had to be met or otherwise I became quickly bored on the many college tours I found myself on. I was adamant that I was the kind of girl that belonged at a small, liberal arts school — outspoken, politically active, Birkenstock owner and somewhat quirky. It became clear to me that I wanted to go to a school with values that aligned with my own: curiosity and community.

If both curiosity and community are present, they are intertwined and inseparable. The two work in tandem to one another and do so with grace to lead to success. Upon touring the Carleton campus for the first time, I realized that Carleton not only marketed themselves as upholding these two traits, but actually lived and breathed the values throughout the institution. This meant that what Carleton advertised on the several brochures they sent to prospective students and families was the actual way of life across campus. 

I felt these values shape my experience as I traversed through the Bald Spot and explored Sayles for the first time. I knew that this was the place that not only would serve me a higher education of the highest quality, but also would be somewhere that would become my home. My college counselor, parents, and older friends that I had, always promised me that when I stepped foot on the right campus “I would know.” I always scoffed at the thought of a gut feeling, but it was as we left Scoville Hall, and I was walking back to the rental car with my Dad that I knew. Carleton was the place I wanted to be.

So, I submitted my early decision application later that fall and crossed my fingers for good news in December. As the tale goes, I was admitted, relaxed during the end of my senior year and prepared myself to become a Carl in the fall. My expectations were high for what was to come; I mean everyone had always told me that “college is going to be the best four years of your life.” Trust me, I was skeptical.

Upon entering campus for the first time for New Student Week, I was optimistic and hopeful for what school was going to be like. I had gotten my random roommate, someone who I was lucky enough to immediately click with, so I was excited for what was else to come. I had chosen Carleton because of the community and now was the time that I could finally be a part of it.

New Student Week moved rapidly with many ice breakers, “Carl Talks” and lots of handshakes. I immersed myself in the newness of college life and found myself meeting several people who I would soon be able to call some of my closest friends. I was affirmed in my decision for choosing Carleton, but as I sit here two and a half terms later, I think about how if I had the choice, I would choose Carleton again. 

Sure, Carleton is full of quirks and a few downsides, but overall stands as an institution with several perks. Thus far, the small class sizes have paid off with strong relationships with professors, deeply enamoring course material and flexibility within classes to cater to students’ special interests. My professors are accessible and care about the students that they work with and are impacting, something that is often lost at bigger universities. It may not be for everyone, but the round-table discussions are something that I cherish and wouldn’t ever trade in for a big lecture hall.

Alongside the academics are the people. And obviously, the degree is important- it’s the point of higher education after all. But, I feel that when people are waxing poetically about the best four years of their lives, they really are talking about the people. It’s the little things that add up, the passing bys in the hallways, picnics in the quad, and conversations sparked at parties. These are the moments that make or break your experience.

I can’t compare the kinds of people I would have met if I had made the decision to attend a different school, but what I can reflect on are the people that I have met here. The “Carleton quirk” is real, and I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. The homogeneity of other institutions is daunting and may be what some people are searching for. But for me, I find peace in the homogeneity of authenticity at our school. (Somewhat of an oxymoron I know, but bear with me). 

The people at Carleton are comfortable enough with themselves that they are able to embrace their quirks. This is the aspect of our campus that makes us stand out among the rest- and it’s for a good cause. It may be a subjective thing, this matter of authenticity and if it’s a beneficial thing or not, but for me, it really is why I would choose Carleton again.

Carleton does not hide who they are and what they stand for, and in my opinion, that is a beautiful thing. I may gripe sometimes about feeling like I am missing out on the stereotypical “American college experience” since we are free of big tailgates or frat parties, but I feel that I am much happier in this environment. 

Speaking up in class is a good thing here. We embrace our intelligence and individuality, lift each other up, and support one another beyond belief. We are a frisbee school with an unorthodox and somewhat bizarre dance show every trimester. But, at that dance show the seats overflow and we pack the Great Hall floor to ceiling, like literally. Carleton comes together in a magical way that not many other places can relate too. I mean, we make Friday Flowers a weekly thing because Carls have so many people that they want to acknowledge and appreciate that it must happen every single Friday.

Upon reflection, I can attest to the fact that choosing to come here may be the best decision I have ever made for myself. I can live life authentically, without regret, knowing that my community will always be behind me.

Fast forward to the end of my freshman year, I can say that so far the saying is true, and for a good reason. I haven’t lived all four years here, and there is so much more in store. But thus far, I am incredibly happy. I would, without a doubt, if given the choice, choose Carleton again because of our community.