Before you graduate from Western Carolina University, there are some experiences that you need to have. Here are some of the things I recommend, because they were experiences that made my time at Western Carolina University memorable. If these experiences made my time memorable, there’s a good chance that they’ll do the same for you.
1.) Summer school. Some of us are stuck with bad memories from our grade school days, when teachers would shake their finger at the class and threaten summer school. The thought of extra schooling as a punishment was a thought that terrified us. It also made those stern teachers pretty negative people for insinuating that education is a drag, something that should be used as a punishment. However, I can tell you that summer school at Western Carolina University is absolutely awesome. Not only are you able to get ahead in your coursework, but professors are generally more laid back in the summer. In addition, you have the campus pretty much to yourself, since so many people go home in the summer. Trust me when I say that summer school at Western Carolina is an excellent experience.
2.) Attend an upper level perspective course. At Western Carolina, many academic programs require students to take an upper level perspective course, which is basically one course that is outside of your primary field. Don’t blow this opportunity by taking something that you couldn’t care less about. Instead, find something that truly gets you excited and stimulates your mind. The upper level perspective that I took, philosophy of mind, was one of the most fun classes that I took at Western Carolina. Most students can find an upper level perspective that interests them.
3.) Attend a special event. Authorities at Western Carolina are always organizing special events, whether they’re concerts or academic seminars. One event in particular that I enjoyed was the Paul Burton seminar series in biology. At these events, biologists present their own findings and discuss new concepts on the cutting edge of biology. This may not be the thing for you, but there are many other events that take place on campus, such as sports events, club meetings, and parties. Look around to see if they have anything that you might be interested in.
4.) Experience the library. Far too many students don’t take advantage of the library, which is a shame, because it really is a remarkable library with a great staff. Not only do they have an expansive collection of books on every subject you could imagine, but the library also includes a huge collection of movies, which students can check out even for non-academic purposes. The basement of the library is a designated quiet zone, and students can go down there to study in peace.
5.) Take advantage of sunny days. The weather in Cullowhee becomes beautiful in the spring months, which is a great reprieve from the harsh winters. This is a good time to get out, enjoy the campus, and meet new people. There are usually many different activities taking place on campus during this time, such as Frisbee and volleyball. Get out and enjoy it!
Andrew McClure graduated from Western Carolina University in 2014 with a degree in English, a concentration in professional writing, and a minor in biology. He enjoys reading, writing, and studying alongside his two dogs, Pepper and Little Ann.