A dean reminisces about applying to college
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When I applied to college more than 20 years ago, I chose schools that were within a two hours' drive of my boyfriend's university. My approach to the application process was a bit misguided, but a surprising truth came out of my actions. Going to college is a matter of following your heart.
My heart led me to Boston College. The campus matched my image of what I thought college should look like. I could picture myself sitting on the quad on a bright fall day. I could see myself walking home from the library on a quiet snowy evening. I could envision myself cheering for the football team in the stadium. I could imagine myself making new friends in the residence halls. I fell in love with the school and, long before I was accepted, knew that it was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life.
As it is for many high school seniors, getting into college was more difficult than I originally thought. My high school grades were good, but were they good enough? Freshmen weren't guaranteed housing so I would have to live off-campus.
Financial assistance was limited, yet as one of five college-bound children in my family, I couldn't go to school without it. Despite these obstacles, when I received my acceptance letter I knew my response would be "yes" and, determined to follow my heart, I enrolled at BC.
I had ups and downs in my four years of undergraduate study. There were days when I worried I had fallen out of love with the college I had chosen, days when I felt like I didn't belong, when I thought I couldn't do the work, and when I was unsure of what I was doing in college and where it would lead me.
But I stayed true to my decision and the women I lived with freshman year became lifelong friends. The professor in my first psychology class became a mentor and role model. The family I baby-sat for became an integral part of my daily life. The classes I took helped me discover a love of learning that led me to complete a double major in psychology and philosophy.
Best of all, I found a career that has kept me inspired. As a dean at Endicott College, I get to encourage students to make the most of their undergraduate years. I talk with them about how to meet their goals and remind them that getting admitted to college is only the first step in following their heart. What they do once they arrive on campus makes the difference.
Sara E. Quay, PhD, is the dean of education at Endicott College in Beverly. She is a graduate of Boston College. "In My Own Words" is an occasional feature of the Globe's Education section about one person's experience in education. To submit an essay or suggest a person, please e-mail education@globe.com. 