Hartwick college

Why Hartwick?
I chose Hartwick primarily because of its size; I didn't want to go to a giant school where I would have impersonal relationships with all of my professors and with most of the students on the campus. I love that I can call many of my professors by first name and they don't mind. I also really like the trails and woods around Oneonta. I'm a runner, and I find that the woods never get boring. I guess if anyone else is like me, they'd like to know their professors and peers, be able to ask anyone for help and receive it, and be able to enjoy the outside without a huge city backdrop.

What are your classes like?
Classes are a blast! I almost never had as much fun in high school classes as I do in classes at Hartwick. I guess it has a lot to do with the professors.

What does "theory into practice" mean to you?
The idea means relating to what you learn in school to use in real life, whether professionally or not. I've gotten a pretty significant dose of this at Hartwick, mostly by encouragement from professors to become involved in actual research projects (both related to Hartwick and not). Even this summer, I'll be taking some of my biology classes with me down to Central America to intern in Honduras, conducting field surveys of mammals and amphibians.

How have your professors made an impact on your education?
Professors Peter Fauth and Stan Sessions were the accompanying professors on my Costa Rica J Term trip (best trip of my life). They really showed me how much fun biological fieldwork could be. Professors Jason Antrosio and Connie Anderson have both been a huge part in my introduction to, and continually growing interest in, anthropology. And two other professors, Stephanie Rozene (ceramics) and Mark Erickson (organic chemistry), make classes particularly memorable.

What do you do outside the classroom?
I'm a member of the cross country team (A great team, by the way!), I'm in Clay Club and the hopefully-soon-to-be-recognized Triathlon Club, I'm a tutor for several subjects in The Loft, and this summer, I'll be involved with orientation week for incoming students. Next year, I'm going to be a Resident Advisor, hopefully in Hilltop or Oyaron! I spend a lot of my time in Johnstone Science Center and in Yager. The rest of my time is usually split between my room or my building (Oyaron), Hilltop residence hall, The Commons, Anderson Arts Center, and Binder Physical Education Center.

How do you describe Hartwick to your friends back home?
I kind of brag about it a little. I usually tell them how much fun classes are and how great the surrounding area is and all the awesome stuff I get to do within and through Hartwick.

What comes after Hartwick?
I hope to go to graduate school or directly into tropical forest ecological studies.

What would you tell future Hartwick students?
Be open to opportunities that will literally show up at your door (or in your mailbox, or your e-mail, or in your classes, or just on campus)! Don't miss out on an experience because it might involve some preliminary work. Go on a J Term trip! Take some classes you never thought you would have any interest in! Enjoy your time here, because there's a lot to enjoy!