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Reuniting with a high school acquaintance launched Emma Libby ’23 into a remarkable college experience. While preparing for the transition from high school to college, Emma stumbled upon her friend’s social media posts. These posts highlighted a small liberal arts college with a welcoming community, just a state away from her hometown, Lake Forest Park, WA.

ÃÛѨÊÓƵ was checking off all the boxes on Emma's college wish list before even stepping foot onto campus.

Taking a leap to discover more

Emma reached out to her high school friend ÃÛѨÊÓƵ student Laura Hoover ’22 in response to her posts. The pair began planning a time for Emma to visit ÃÛѨÊÓƵ.

The campus and community looked inviting throughout her research but in person, ÃÛѨÊÓƵ proved to be so much more.

First steps on campus

During her stay, Emma was introduced to Laura’s roommate, friends, and routine as a ÃÛѨÊÓƵ student. Emma was able to imagine herself here walking to classes under the comforting shade of tall oak trees, greeting the friendly smiles of familiar faces, and soaking up the beauty of a small town surrounded by vineyards.

The campus community overflows with things to appreciate.

Seeing the school in person affirmed Emma's feeling that ÃÛѨÊÓƵ was the kind of school she’d want to attend. So much was yet to be discovered but Emma was confident. “Being there in person I knew, okay, this is where I need to be,” said Libby. “ÃÛѨÊÓƵ advertises that our community is great, but I feel like every college [promotes] that. You really don't feel it until you're personally on campus. It is something that you can't just research.” 

Learning outside of the classroom

The positive impacts of being a ÃÛѨÊÓƵ student stretch far beyond the campus’s joyful environment. Dedicated professors, small class sizes and endless opportunities to get involved all contribute to the schools' appeal.

However, the ways in which ÃÛѨÊÓƵ encourages students to be active off campus is just as profound.

Emma's internship program with the at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ is a prime example of how beneficial experiential opportunities can be. Emma's internship takes her all around Oregon where she visits vineyards and interviews people in the wine industry.

As a wine studies and journalism and media studies (JAMS) double major this opportunity is huge.

Her internship simultaneously helps her pursue her career and build her education outside of the classroom. She can practice her interview skills and exercise other traits essential to being a JAMS major, while also increasing her knowledge of wine.

Arguably one of the most important elements of this work is how it deepens her connection with the industry she hopes to work in after graduation. “Hearing about people's passion in the industry gives me a nice window into where I want to be,” said Emma.

Studying abroad is a responsibility and a privilege. “You are on your own in another country,” said Emma. “You grow a lot as you learn to handle different situations. I traveled a lot while I was there and not everything goes as planned. It’s important to maintain a positive mindset at these times. I had to ask myself, ‘how can I calm myself down? How can I put a positive spin on what just happened?’” she said. “I'm still learning, I'm still growing, this [situation] isn't a disaster. It's just a [temporary] roadblock.”

Getting out of your comfort zone

Emma constantly reflects… is she learning? Is she growing? Can she put a positive spin on this situation? This is the attitude she continues to carry back on the McMinnville campus.

“Make friends, talk to people,” said Emma, “that's my big thing. Don't be afraid to talk to people. [It’s] fun, I promise, you just got to get out of your shell. I used to be scared to talk to people, especially people that seemed much more confident than myself. But I just ‘fake it till I make it!’ If you fake that confidence at first, you will eventually gain it.”

We can all learn from Emma's can-do attitude. Throughout your college career, you will discover new passions. Strive to continue finding more.

Don’t shy away from pushing yourself to take your education further. Say yes to the opportunities that allow you to see yourself – and the world – in new ways. Say yes to being a lifelong learner.

Life is so exciting when you take that leap.