Wheaton College is a very weird place. I think we can all agree on that. It’s a wonderful, weird, very small and unique place. Coming back to Wheaton after being abroad is a uniquely horrible experience; I also think that is something that everyone who has done it can agree on. The transition back to Norton, the lack of pubs or dancing, the sudden push back into Wheaton life is a rough adjustment to make.
When I got back to Wheaton it was strange, because it is so exactly the same while those abroad have experienced so many lively and robust experiences. We’ve traveled, danced, ate, drank, debated, met amazing people, and experienced so many wonderful things. What continues to assure me, the way that I was able to get on the plane that terrible December morning, recovering from my last night out, was remembering that I was coming back to Wheaton. It’s not to say that I’m in in love with Wheaton College, we all have our issues that culture shock only emphasizes. I miss Dublin a painful amount. But being at a very large institution reminded me why I picked Wheaton in the first place. At a time when I desperately needed a break from school, and now when I’m returning, remembering the benefits of our incredible institution is how I’m getting back into it.
Wheaton is very small. We know everyone, everyone’s ex-girlfriend and hook up from that one party, and ex-roommates. But I also know my bosses, have babysat their kids, driven their cars, and when I needed it they’ve literally walked me over to student advising. Being at a large institution, seeing the way people disregard your difficulties, contrasted so sharply to the way the registrar’s office handles our concerns so compassionately. Sitting in the huge library and not being able to find the books I needed made me wish for the Wheaton Library and HELIN system. I know the RA’s, the SAIL office, the lovely Park Hall officials and the custodians. Check out the “Meet Wheaton Staff” videos by Margaret Fogarty on YouTube if you want a dose of the Wheaton feels.
The contrast of professors was to me the most striking. It’s not to say that I’m in in love with Wheaton College, we all have our issues that culture shock only emphasizes. I miss Dublin a painful amount. But being at a very large institution reminded me why I picked Wheaton in the first place. At a time when I desperately needed a break from school, and now when I’m returning, remembering the benefits of our incredible institution is how I’m getting back into it.
Wheaton is very small. We know everyone, everyone’s ex-girlfriend and hook up from that one party, and ex-roommates. But I also know my bosses, have babysat their kids, driven their cars, and when I needed it they’ve literally walked me over to student advising. Being at a large institution, seeing the way people disregard your difficulties, contrasted so sharply to the way the registrar’s office handles our concerns so compassionately. Sitting in the huge library and not being able to find the books I needed made me wish for the Wheaton Library and HELIN system. I know the RA’s, the SAIL office, the lovely Park Hall officials and the custodians. Check out the “Meet Wheaton Staff” videos by Margaret Fogarty on YouTube if you want a dose of the Wheaton feels.
The contrast of professors was to me the most striking. Wheaton professors have given me cough drops when I look sick, look disapprovingly at me post all-nighters, read applications and papers over and over again, taking time away from their families and lives. They give you the resources, the research help, the support to help you and impart their wisdom and expertise academically and otherwise. They demand a lot of us, but help you get there.
There is something very specific about the American college system, living all in the same place, eating, studying, working, and living together. It’s a unique place, with experiences, resources, and love that we will never get anywhere else. During these rough few weeks, I wanted take a moment to appreciate it all.
So, to all of the study abroad kids- we need to band together, struggle through it and embrace the Wheaton-ness that we get. Engage and embrace the community that we’ve chosen to be a part of.
To everyone who has to deal with our moodiness- be nice to us, listen to our stories that start with “So this one time in [insert country here].” Our worlds will meld soon.