Something that I love about Middlebury College is the community. Students (and faculty members) really care about each other. Whether it is an occasion for joy or a somber moment, you can always find someone to celebrate, laugh, cry, and talk with.

Yesterday was the birthday of a girl preforming research for the physics department. Instead of just writing a generic message on Facebook  (or saying happy birthday to her in BiHall), we baked a homemade carrot cake, signed a card, and held a celebration in the Stewart Basement. As we sang Happy Birthday to her, I thought about how the candles reminded me of the community here on campus. Warm, vibrant, beautiful, welcoming, and altogether wonderful. The candlelight illuminated the smiles of my friends and I realized that I wouldn’t trade my time here at Middlebury College for anything.

Over the course of my first year here, I’ve had numerous late night night conversations with friends. In these conversations we have discussed relationships, academics, struggles, hopes, and dreams. After each conversation I grew to realize that what makes Middlebury unique is the people. I love the deep intellectual passions of my fellow students and the respect, encouragement, and support that is readily given.

I think that is important to look at a college and realize that you will be spending four years there. Those four years consist of both academic and personal growth. Your personal growth is shaped by the people around you. Try and look at schools where students can increase your perspective. Also look at schools where teachers support you both academically and personally. I cannot count how many times I have been thankful for my professors, dean, office manager, and fellow students. Life away from your parents and community can be difficult and challenging. It is definitely important to surround yourself with people who support you and further your understandings of the world.

Middlebury is home. When I say the word home, I do notmean that lightly. For me, the concept of home is almost sacred. Home is where I feel comfortable, safe, welcomed, supported, loved, and relaxed. It is a place that I can call my own. Home as a concept encompasses both place and people. It is an environment where everyone drops what they are doing to help celebrate a birthday away from family.