Meet Caitlin, an English major with a concentration in Professional Writing at the University of Delaware. She previously attended Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego, California.
What factors were most important when deciding which college to attend?
When I was applying for college, there were a few key factors that played into my decision.
- Though I knew I loved writing, I wanted to make sure I attended a college with a variety of majors. Having the flexibility to change my major was important to me, especially since I have a ton of different interests.
- I knew for sure that I wanted to go out-of-state. Going somewhere far from home, somewhere completely different, somewhere I didn’t know ANYBODY, I felt that would be the grandest adventure.
- I also wanted a school that was medium in size; I didn’t want to feel like I was trapped, but I also didn’t want to rely on shuttle buses to take me around. I felt the same way about the size of the population, too. I wanted to be able to walk around campus and recognize people, but also have the ability to avoid people I didn’t want to see. (Just in case).
- Traditional feel. The first time I went to Delaware, I fell in love with the brick buildings, the huge white columns, the stretch of Green all the way down campus, and the charming Main Street. It was exactly how I felt college should be.
In high school, I wish I would have tried…
Taking advantage of my school’s art program! I always tried to convince myself that I was athletic, so for most of high school, I spent my time being an average athlete for field hockey and lacrosse. My school had a competitive after-school art program, and I never thought I was good enough to get in. Looking back, I wish I would have at least applied. Sigh.
What types of clubs, activities, sports, jobs, etc. are you involved with on campus?
For my Junior year, I was a Writing Fellow. Essentially, I was a TA helping graduate students work on their essays, meeting with them outside of class, editing papers, and all that jazz. I was also a part of the Social Media Ambassador program, promoting school events through a branded Twitter account. I dabbled in Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority, doing about 25 hours of service each semester. And lastly, I was a member of Photography Club and Meditation Club.
What are three things you won’t read in the University of Delaware brochure?
- It rains on Tuesdays. It’s a bit of a campus mystery.
- Jaywalking is like super illegal. Fines can be up to $80.
- Course Capture is your best friend! Lectures are posted online, so it’s totally chill if you miss a class.
Best on-campus event:
I would have to say UDance! It’s a 12-hour dance marathon that raises money to fight childhood cancer! Each year, we raise millions of dollars for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which provides medical research and financial support to families across the entire country.
Favorite Class:
Can I narrow it down to three? Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communications, and Environmental Writing. The professors were incredible, and I learned a lot.
Favorite Dining Hall Meal:
Breakfast for dinner! The omelet line is always super long, but it is WORTH IT.
On weekends, students:
Sleep in, day drink (if they’re 21+), and binge-eat pizza.
It’s 1AM on Saturday. Where are you?
Jumping in the fountain on South Green. (Strange, but accurate).
It’s finals week and the libraries are packed. Where do you go study?
There are so many ideal places to study. If the weather is nice, I like to lay out on the Green, but I typically don’t finish my work there. There is a coffee shop on Main Street called Central Perk that I love! There’s free wifi, bubble tea, and comfy couches. What more could you need?
Before I graduate from the University of Delaware, I want to…
Study abroad. UD was the first college to even have a study abroad program! Now, there are so many programs to choose from, and they do such a great job of making it accessible to all students.