Classes, Classes, Classes

So, when I was looking at colleges as a high school Junior and Senior, I was very focused on how the school looked, what kind of activities it had, and what the dorms were like.  One of the last things on my mind was what the classes might be like.  In this blog, I will tell you what it is like to sit in a Mercyhurst classroom and learn from some of the best professors out there.

Because I came from a fairly small high school, I knew that choosing a school with small classes sizes was something that I really needed to consider.  Mercyhurst's class sizes are awesome.  The student to faculty ratio is 14:1 and I can honestly say I have never had a class larger than 35 students.  In fact, I am even taking a class right now with just NINE people in it!  You will not find any huge lectures halls with 500 students learning from a teeny tiny chalkboard at the very front of the room.  At Mercyhurst, your professors know your names, know your major, and know how you learn.  In turn, it is always easy to get to know your professors and create relationships with them that can really benefit you, particularly if you really need a recommendation letter for graduate school applications or jobs! 

Of all the amazing things that this school has to offer, I cannot emphasize enough that my academic experience here is my absolute FAVORITE thing and it is what makes me continue to enjoy my time at Mercyhurst.  (Which is good since I am here for and education, after all...). 

We do have a liberal arts core, which is something that not all colleges offer or require.  This means that besides the basic classses that all college students in the country take (writing, math, natural science, etc.) we also take classes such as religion, world perspectives, and art.  Through my classes here, I am exposed to so much more about the world and feel as if I am developing into a more well rounded adult.  Hopefully, when I finally graduate and become a teacher in a high school somewhere, it will reflect in my teaching and in my life since I will know about more things than what is simply in my major.

Classes and professors at Mercyhurst truly are top notch and lend to the amazing experience that you get when you choose our school.  Hopefully, if you are looking for the same kinds of things I was when looking at colleges, you will see that Mercyhurst has got it all!

Silly Games, Fall Ball, and Good Friends

Hello Readers!

Some friends on Friday!

This past weekend I had a really great time living the dream here at Mercyhurst!  My boyfriend, Ben, came to stay at school with me which always definately enhances the weekends.  On Friday night, I got together with some good friends and we had a game night.  We played this game called Quelf, which is one that you should all try sometime!  There are different cards that contain charades, random things you need to do and not laugh while you do it, and demands like spend the rest of the game under the table.  We had a lot of laughs and its a good one to play if your around new friends that you might just be getting to know, it definately forces you to get comfortable fast!  We played a few other games, devoured popcorn and chips, and spent the night just enjoying each other's company.  It is something that every college student needs every once in a while!

On Saturday, my boyfriend and I went to the mall.  We, like always, played with a puppy at the pet store, fell in love with it, and was forced to give it back.  You would think I would learn, but yet I continue to play with those little guys!  What can I say, I am a sucker for puppy therapy =].  One downside, though, for all you younger Lakers out there...they recently changed the rules to having to be 21 in order to play with a puppy.  It doesn't affect me much, but I know I would have been sad not having puppy therapy when I was younger!

Yes, we're nerds!

Roomies all dressed up!

Saturday night was the annual Fall Ball here on campus.  The theme this year was "red carpet" and it was under a big tent right by the student union.  This was my first (and will be my last!) year going to the ball and I must say I always love a good excuse to get all dressed up!  I wore a cute little friends, had dinner with some friends, and did a little dancing under the tent!  Fall Ball is certainly a good experience and everyone should go at least once!

Dancin' the night away

After my super fun weekend, the rest of the week has just been spent going to class, doing endless homework, attending a million meetings, and being a busy little bee.  College life really doesn't provide very much free time, but when opportunities like this weekend come up, SEIZE them!  Especially once you're a senior and have very little time left here!  Today I got my first mailing about graduation in May!  Craziness!  But, for now, it's back to the grind...until next time!

Making the Most out of Mercyhurst

In your frantic search for the right college for you, keep in mind that Mercyhurst, and any college for that matter, is all about what YOU make of it.  But, of course, Mercyhurst has a ton of really awesome things to offer for every student!  In fact, this year we were named in the TOP 50 colleges in the U.S. News and World Report!  This is HUGE for our school, especially since we jumped up a whomping 36 spots from last year on the list!  So, if you have any doubt in your mind about the excellence of our little school, just check out the article!

Besides that very exciting news, I have been busy busy with start of the year excitement.  As you know, this is my senior year and so we are trying out best to take pictures of EVERYTHING that we do!  This means that on the first day of school, we took a ton of fun roommate pictures!  You can check our silly selves out!

Workin' the club fair!

Obviously I really enjoy spending time with all of my friends and roommates here at Mercyhurst.  But, I wouldn't have even met them  if it weren't for all of the clubs and organizations that I am involved in.  I belonged to the Leadership Certification program, cheerleading, I am an ambassador (along with all of my roommates), and I belong to the student alumni association, just to name a few.  Most of the people I hang out with were met through these groups and if it weren't for being so involved, I would probably be a total, friendless loser!  When you get to school, the best way to learn about the innumerous clubs that you can join is to attend the Experiential Learning Fair.  This is basically just the club fair and there are tons of involved students with tables, information, and often free candy in order to let students get the chance to see all the happenin's at the Hurst!  And, since we don't have greek life, clubs are the best way to meet new people and make lasting friendships.  So, if you choose Mercyhurst, DEFINATELY check out everything it has to offer so you can get the full experience!

That's all for today, but stay tuned to see what all I did this weekend!!  It was awesome!