When I first thought about college, I imagined a busy, fast-paced city full of excitement. I had my expectations set on somewhere big, thinking that’s where I’d find the opportunities, the excitement and the kind of college experience that matched my city roots. But then, I found Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania — a small town — not exactly what I had in mind. Let’s just say, I wasn’t sold right away.
But here’s the thing: sometimes the places we least expect are the ones that give us the most.
Before coming to Allegheny, I was nervous. I was new to the United States, with some understanding of English, and was overwhelmed by the thought of a small, isolated campus. I was pretty sure I’d end up transferring after a semester, thinking this wasn’t the place for me. I even cried during my first visit — I was scared. Coming from a big city, the idea of living somewhere quieter and more remote felt like a huge change. But Meg, who’s been one of the most supportive people I’ve met, encouraged me. She told me, “Give it a shot, Mari.” Erica, another friend, said, “Be open-minded and see how you like it.” I decided to give it a try.
When I came back for my second visit, I started to feel a shift. My mom was still unsure about the small town vibe, but after talking with the Cross Country and Track & Field head coach Ben Mourer, ’07, I was suddenly excited. The personal attention from the coaches and staff really stood out to me. I got the sense that this wasn’t just another college, it was a community that genuinely cared.
And I’ve come to realize that care is what makes Allegheny so special.
For me Allegheny isn’t just a place to get an education; it’s a place where people act like they want to get to know you. The professors here go out of their way to offer guidance and support. Associate Professor of Political Science Shanna Kirschner, helped me pick classes and even walked me through internship opportunities for the summer. The fact that she took the time to make sure I was on the right path — that’s the kind of support I didn’t know I needed but now can’t imagine living without.
What really sealed the deal for me was learning about Allegheny alumni. Did you know that William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, went to Allegheny College? It was inspiring to learn about him not just because he made history, but because it showed me that Allegheny has a legacy of producing successful leaders. If McKinley could rise from Allegheny’s small-town roots to lead the nation, there’s no telling what I can accomplish with the support I have here.
Now that I’m on my college path, I can honestly say Allegheny has been more than I expected. Sure, Meadville is a small town, and I don’t have a car yet to explore off campus, but the people here make up for all of that. A couple of months ago, my friend and I were struggling to figure out how to get to Walmart, and we asked one of the public safety officers for directions. Not only did he give us directions, but he asked his wife to drive us there and bring us back. That’s the kind of kindness you don’t get everywhere, and it’s made all the difference in how I see this place.
Of course, Allegheny’s not just about the community, it’s also about growth. Academically, I’ve learned so much — especially about politics, which is my major. I’ve also realized how amazing the political science alumni network is here. Learning from successful figures who have walked the same halls is not just inspiring, it’s proof that this place equips you for success.
Athletically, I’m feeling better every day. The coaches, especially Cross Country and Track & Field assistant coach Marques Johnson, make sure I’m not just working hard on the track, but also that I’m taking care of myself off the track. The level of support from teammates and coaches is something I didn’t expect in a school this size, and it made a huge impact on my confidence and growth.
But what really makes Allegheny stand out is how everyone truly wants you to succeed. This semester, I had the opportunity to have lunch with President Ron Cole, ’87, very unexpectedly, and I was taken aback by how down-to-earth and approachable he was. He treated everyone equally, listened to our concerns and walked us though making connections with alumni. It was a small moment, but it spoke volumes about the culture of care that defines Allegheny.
If someone asked me, “Why Allegheny?” I’d tell them it’s because this place is more than just a college, it’s a community that truly cares about its students. From the professors who go above and beyond, to the coaches who make sure you feel supported, to the unexpected acts of kindness you experience everyday, Allegheny is a place where people are invested in your success. It’s a place that challenges you academically, supports you personally and prepares you for a future where anything is possible.
Would I choose Allegheny again? Absolutely. It’s not the big city I originally imagined, but it’s the place that has made me grow in ways I never expected.