Favorite Class - Political Theory, with Professor Joseph Cummins. This course covered all manner of topics including: morality, religion, power, ethics, government, law, justice, freedom, political science, philosophy, economics, and sociology. Although this course was daunting in its breadth of coverage, it was phenomenal. It challenged the way I think about almost everything. It may not have been in my major, but I'll carry this class with me everywhere I go for the rest of my life.
What is the best thing about Grinnell? Freedom. You can do so much here that you can't do anywhere else. Students have power on this campus, and there are so, so many avenues that allow you to be involved on campus while doing something you enjoy. Also, there's pretty respectable Mexican food here considering we're in the middle of Iowa.
What is the worst thing about Grinnell? It's intense. Courses are hard, people are smart, and the campus is small. More importantly, sometimes because of the cold, the snow, and the yetis it can be difficult to get to the Mexican restaurants in town.
Why did you choose Grinnell? I'm from Miami and had never seen "seasons" (or snow) and I always wanted to verify that they existed. I also wanted to experience a small town and a small school, where I could have close relationships with professors instead of getting lost in some behemoth monstrosity where I'd be lucky to catch a glimpse of a professor.
What should every prospective student know? Everyone talks about the college experience and how college was the best time of their life. It's important to remember Grinnell is a school, like any other. There are textbooks (they're overpriced here too, don't worry) and classes and the dining hall and tearful goodbyes and awkward situations just like anywhere else. But what really makes Grinnell special is that rather than "receiving" some college experience, you MAKE yours. You can be whoever you want at Grinnell. You can take whatever courses you want, get approval for an independent major, start a student group, get funding for practically any activity, meet people from almost every walk of life (my best friends my first year were students from Bangladesh, Sudan, and Vermont) and find out what you want and, in the process, who you are.
