From the Mouths of Babes

There were a couple things I wanted, or thought I wanted, when I set out to find a college. The first, and most enduring of these, was small classes and devoted, approachable professors. I knew that I’d be more engaged, and therefore learn more, in an intimate, conversational environment. The second aspect was a matter of much personal contention: did I want a ¨campus¨ or a school set in an urban environment? I could see the advantages of both: a traditional campus seemed like an attractive and somewhat safe option, while the prospect of living in a great city, in the way that it would make my experience more true-to-life, also appealed to me. And so I sat, balancing (sometimes) contrasting desires, and searching for whatever felt like the right thing.

We all have these hopes and expectations for our college experience. Nowhere was this more obvious to me than recently, in a freshman meeting with my illustrious classmates. All together we discussed our experience of Suffolk Madrid so far, the good, the bad, and any constructive criticism. It was really interesting to hear, from my peers, how their expectations have translated to reality and how they feel that their needs are, or are not, being met.

For me, Suffolk Madrid has done well so far. My classes are small, and my professors are wonderfully personable and passionate. The faculty and staff are like one big family, a family that constantly seeks to integrate orbiting students. For me, and I think for most of us, this is a very rewarding and nurturing environment to be in. As far as the traditional v. city campus issue goes, I know what I’ve given up. Sometimes it seems difficult to integrate my outside life with my academic one. Sometimes it feels like each of my feet is planted in such a different world. And yet to live in the city of Madrid? To have all the opportunity and diversity that it gives me? So worth it.