We Are Knox...

"I chose Knox because of the people and the atmosphere. It was so inviting and loving, and I felt like I could thrive here and do anything."

What activities do you participate in on campus and how have they influenced your experience? 
I'm a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Arts and Crafts Club, and Union Board, pledge marshal of Alpha Phi Omega, former secretary of ABLE, and former social chair of Lo Nuestro. Being a part of so many different clubs and organizations has allowed me to work with many students from diverse backgrounds, opened my eyes, and expanded my worldview.

What is your favorite place on campus? 
Henry M. Seymour Library. It looks like a castle on the outside, a museum on the inside, and the resources available to students are amazing.

Off campus?
The Broadview Restaurant & Lounge. Where else can you get breakfast and tacos at 4 in the morning while listening to members of the Galesburg community singing karaoke?

Why did you choose Knox? 
I was deciding between 11 different schools, but Knox was the only place that was really comfortable. When I visited I absolutely fell in love with the sense of community, and it was the only college where I actually felt at home.

Any advice for high school students on their college search? 
Don't assume that a big or well-known college will give you a better education. Being at a small school allows us to build relationships with our professors that can lead to tons of opportunities, especially research projects. In the end, memories and experience will be much more important than the name that's printed on your degree.

What campus jobs have you had while at Knox? 
I've worked in our campus convenience store, the Outpost Express, as a research assistant as part of the McNair Program, in the Office of Advancement, and for the Office of Admission. Between working with the Office of Advancement and the Office of Admission, I've been able to share my experiences at Knox with both alumni and prospective students. It's a lot of fun to see the relationship between how students enter and exit Knox.

Have you done any volunteering/community service during your time at Knox?
My sophomore year I had an internship at the Knox County Housing Authority as part of the social service minor requirement. I helped tutor an adult GED class and helped run an afterschool program for low-income families. I've also volunteered at Discovery Depot, the Community Preschool, and as part of the Reading Buddies program.

What's the most important thing you've learned at Knox outside the classroom?
There are opportunities to be taken everywhere; you just have to look for them and have the courage to pursue them.

Describe any independent study or research you have undertaken. What did you learn?
Last summer as part of the McNair Program, I completed a research project exploring how low-income single mothers discipline their children. I found that discipline is very situational and has a lot to do with perceived danger as well as perceived boundaries.