Connecticut College: Building Relationships

Q: Why did you choose Connecticut College?

I chose Connecticut College because I wanted to be at a school where professors would know my name, I could get personalized attention and I wouldn’t be just another face in a crowded lecture hall. I applied to a lot of technical schools as well but decided that Connecticut College’s liberal arts approach would allow me to be more flexible with my studies.

Q: Was it the right choice?

Yes. At Connecticut College I have been able to get the one-on-one attention that I need. In the beginning of my first semester I was having trouble in my physics class.  I was able to go to the professor, get extra help and eventually bring up my grade.

Q: How did you hear about the College?

A friend of mine suggested that I check out Connecticut College because she knew I was looking for an environment where I could have close interactions with professors and get individualized academic attention.

Q: Did you visit the campus?

I visited the campus and took a tour. The campus is beautiful, and my tour guide did a great job telling me about campus life, activities, organizations and generally making me feel like I would fit in.

Q: How many schools did you apply to?

I applied to 10 schools, many of which were technical schools, but some were liberal arts schools. In the end it came down to Boston College and Connecticut College, but I chose Connecticut because the financial aid package was more generous.

Q: Did you come here knowing what you wanted to study?

I came to college knowing that I wanted to study math or science, but I wasn’t exactly sure about the specifics. The great thing about a liberal arts education is that you can have the flexibility to change your major based on new interests.  

Q: What classes did you take as a freshman?

I took a freshman seminar, Glow, with Marc Zimmer, and also physics, general chemistry and calculus.

Q: What’s your favorite class so far?

I really enjoyed my freshman seminar, Glow, which is about the green fluorescent protein.  The professor was really engaging, and the topic is really unique.  We even got to travel to Vieques, Puerto Rico, with our professor over Thanksgiving break to do hands-on research and visit the famous bioluminescent bay.

Q: Have you gotten to know any of your professors?

I got to know my physics professor really well, because it was my most challenging class.  I spent a lot of time with him during office hours, working out problems and discussing key concepts that I did not understand.  

Q: What clubs are you involved in?

I am a member of CCASA, the college’s Asian/Asian American Student Association, which organizes various social events on campus, like IntoxicAsian Night. I’m also a member of ALANA, the College’s African American, Latino/a, Asian American and Native American Sisters and Brothers organization, which provides me with a student mentor.

Q: What do you like best about college?

I really like the sense of independence I get from being here at Connecticut College.  I know that if I want to do something, like start an organization, or take a more advanced class, I will have the support of the faculty and staff. I also like the sense of accomplishment I feel, knowing that I am setting a solid foundation for the work I want to do when I graduate in three years, and throughout my career.

Q: Is there a value of taking a seminar with just freshmen?

Yes.  Every freshman coming to college feels like a little fish in a big pond.  The freshman seminar is a great way to meet and interact closely with people that are in the same position during your first few months of college.  I was really close with all the kids in my freshman seminar, and I know that I built some lifelong friendships.

Q: Which residence hall do you live in?

My freshman year, I lived in a double room in Burdick house, which is the quiet house on campus, and I loved it. I definitely spent most of my time there, because it was a really peaceful place.

Q: Have you started thinking about what you want to do after college?

I think about life after college all the time. Sometimes I think I want to be a mathematician, other times, I think I might go into chemistry or astronomy.  I guess we will see where I end up. 

Learn more about:
Marc Zimmer 
Financial Aid
Roth Writing Center