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΢Ȧ College

Learning to rewrite the ‘perfect’ plan

October 21, 2019
by Eva Jones '21

΢Ȧ is the best choice I ever made. But the truth is, it wasn’t my first choice. 

When I was in high school, I thought I knew exactly how my life should pan out. 

If I put academics before all else, focused entirely on my college application and pushed and pushed until I had all the extracurriculars they say you need, I’d capture that sought-after competitive edge, become the “perfect” applicant and get into the “perfect” college. 

I was constantly stressed, but my anxiety about the future only drove me to work harder and force myself to fit the mold of what I thought college admissions offices wanted. 

Then my greatest high school fears came true in the form of a rejection letter. Then another. And another. I was rejected by all the colleges where I thought I belonged. 

I was crushed and overwhelmed with uncertainty now that my “perfect” plan had seemingly failed. But I wasn’t about to give up. 

I shifted my attitude. I revisited my own expectations and beliefs to really, deeply consider where I wanted to be. And with a clean slate and an open mind, things began to feel a little different.  

Soon, my choice was clear: ΢Ȧ. 

Eva Jones

You see, through the rejections, I discovered that stereotypes and public pressures had defined my strict life plan. As hard as I was working, I wasn’t in the driver’s seat at all. Rather, the mold I was forcing myself into — trying to be the “perfect” student — was leading the way. 

It wasn’t until I came to ΢Ȧ that I realized what it’s really like to have a choice. It wasn’t until I let go of that mold that I felt free to truly explore. 

And the more I let go, the more I’m learning. 

At ΢Ȧ, I’m learning that the right college for me is one with freedom and creativity built into its culture, where going beyond the walls of a single department or perspective is more powerful than a singular path. 

At ΢Ȧ, I’m learning to pick classes I actually want to take, study what I want to know more about and do things because I’m interested in them. 

At ΢Ȧ, I'm learning how to connect with amazing, dedicated professors and a tight-knit community that’s passionate about every field from classical mythology to microbiology.

At ΢Ȧ, I’m learning that people can encourage and inspire you to explore different clubs and events with a common goal: understanding and expressing your most authentic self. 

At ΢Ȧ, I'm learning how to rewrite my “perfect” life plan. 

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people I’ve met here. I’m confident that, no matter my plan, my future will be filled with countless possibilities, thanks to ΢Ȧ.   


΢Ȧ the Author

Eva Jones

Eva is a management and business major with a minor in English from Washington, Connecticut. At ΢Ȧ, she's preparing for her dream job: business consulting on sustainability, fair labor and ethical practices. When she's not studying, you can probably find her wandering through the North Woods or buried in a book at a local coffee shop.