As I am getting ready to graduate, it is a blast thinking about where I was four years ago. I took cosmetology for fun in high school, and I remember sitting at one of the computers and looking up UIW on the web. In fact, I even wrangled in a friend to come visit the school with me. I came to an overnighter, and I had so much fun! Up until last year when she graduated, I saw my host everywhere on campus when I got here. It's so funny being able to hang out with people that really helped you make the decision to come to UIW. Even this year, I have had the most random encounters with people who said that I was their tour guide when they came to the University. It's just so cool that this school is so close knit. I mean, can you imagine? The summer after my freshman year, half of the orientation leaders that I worked with were actually my orientation leaders! Not only that, but I met Heather Rodriguez on my very first campus visit. I didn't put my pass on my car quickly enough, and I ended up getting a ticket, because I had parked my car in the premium lot. I took it to Heather, and we got to officially meet. When I came back to campus for the second time, she actually remembered who I was. That meant a lot to me, and I know that, that was a huge factor into deciding to come to UIW. The professors and faculty that I met during my visits actually kept up with me.
I came into UIW with a scholarship from campus ministry. They have this program where they set up freshmen to be mentored within campus ministry, so that they can be full time peer ministers after their first year. I was applying for one of the scholarships when I met Beth, the director, for the first time. When I came for training, she spotted me right away and asked how the rest of my summer was. Of course, a lot of people claimed that they knew me, because I have a funny last name. It doesn't matter though, I still felt like a rockstar!
I met Reverend Trevor in an elevator randomly, and then he turned out to be my boss!
I learned all of the Colbert traditions my first semester, and I talked to Amanda, my RA, about how to become an RA. I was so nervous during the application process, but they ended up putting me in Colbert just like I wanted. I had an amazing team with Dre and Alma. We were unstoppable! We had dances and cheers for our halls, and everyone was a super tight family. I am still close with a bunch of my girls today, and I can't imagine having to leave San Antonio and not have them in my life.
If you are looking to come to UIW, I am so glad that you are taking the time to look at the blogs. I totally checked out the blogs when I was considering the school. I remember, because I read all about Andrew's life on campus, and then I ended up meeting him, because he was only a year older than me! Honestly though, you have to know what makes you happy! When you are considering where to spend the next four years of your life you can't depend on your parents. It's not their life. They will not be living on the dorms, eating in the cafe, meeting new people, attending all of the campus activities, or going to class for you. YOU will be doing all of that. You need to find the environment that is right for you. If it's not UIW, then I hope that you find exactly what you are looking for.
However, the University of the Incarnate Word has a ton to offer, and you will have a truly life changing experience. I have made life long friends, studied abroad, made great connections to help me in the future, attended fantastic events, lived on and off campus, and I have learned a lot about myself. Also, ya know, I have had a great education! My classes have taught me to challenge myself and work to reach my potential.
There are a ton of factors you need to consider when choosing a school. Don't stress! Ask all the questions you can possibly think of. Visit the campus. Talk to students. Figure out what the degree plans entail. Take your time and really find the school that is right for you!! Whether you are still in high school, looking to go back to school, or looking to transfer, UIW has a great program to fit your needs!
Good luck!!
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