For incoming seniors, Berry College has not only been an academic experience, but a place to grow and discover themselves.
“I decided upon Berry because of its small size and uniqueness. Berry placed a high emphasis on academics but also on being a person … (though) the beautiful campus and the deer impacted my decision as well,” said Meredith Lewallen, a senior who graduates this year.
“Berry has exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I have formed lasting relationships with students, faculty and staff. Over the last three years, I have not only gained an education but life lessons and experiences that will help me succeed in all areas of my future.”
Lewallen joins numerous other students today as Berry opens its doors for the new school year.
Like most Berry students, Lewallen has been heavily involved in campus activities such as intramural sports but also working as a First-Year Mentor for incoming freshman, one of her favorite activities, she said. She was also involved in a college program at The Church of Northside and other activities.
“Being involved in various groups and organizations is part of the Berry experience, and I feel I would be missing a piece of my education if I didn’t take advantage of what Berry has to offer in this aspect,” added Liz Reinhart, another senior.
Reinhart has been involved in Presbyterian Student Fellowship, an honors society, Prayer and Share and the Peer Educator program thats purpose is to educate students about various health issues.
“This was my second year (last year) as a peer educator, and becoming one has been one of the best decisions I have made ... (since) I’ve also learned a great deal myself,” said Reinhart. “Being at Berry has taught me so much academically but especially about the world and my purpose in it as a human being.”
Other seniors would agree about Berry being a growth experience.
“I went in not knowing what I was going to do with my life….I was looking at Berry as a place to soul search,” said Jordan Bowman, a senior English major. “When I left high school, I still felt like I was just a big kid with a diploma…and the lessons I’ve learned at Berry have been essential to helping me find my way. Here at Berry, we have some kind of weird community — students mud wrestle…professors form Indian rock bands and we all meet together in some sort of mild insanity…but it’s better off because of it.”
Behind these lessons is the 3H philosophy — hands, heart and head. While many students say they thought the idea was hokey initially, as they embark on their final year, they have embraced it.
“I’m pretty sure most of us would agree the philosophy sounds pretty cheesy, and it is, but it’s really an ideal every college should institute,” said Bowman. “It really boils down the essentials in life: thinking about what you’re doing, knowing why you’re doing it in your gut or your heart, and then actually making it happen. It’s kind of like the three Berry steps to success.”
Genny Castillo, a sociology major with a Spanish minor, said most people never really think about how a motto impacts you, or how it changes your life.
“Being a Bonner scholar, it is my life to serve completely with all my heart, to have the compassion to work with others, my hands to work on the projects and the head to lead them with success,” said Castillo, adding Berry develops students through the importance of serving others. “I’ve most definitely incorporated this into my life here and beyond.”
All say they will miss the close relationships with professors and the beauty of the campus.
“One of my favorite memories is hiking up to the House of Dreams as a freshman,” said Lewallen. “Four upperclassmen invited me on the four mile hike…then enjoyed breakfast. It was an incredible way to spend a Saturday morning.”
Reinhart recalled stopping on her bike to view a dozen deer in a quiet morning moment.
“As nerdy as it sounds, I’ll miss classes and writing papers,” added Reinhart. “Berry is the great school that it is because of its professors and their willingness to go the extra mile helping students find their way. I can’t stress how much richer my education at Berry has been because of the relationships I have formed with my professors.”
All four seniors say now the school year has finally started, they look forward to moving to the next stage of their life, but they will miss Berry greatly.
“Berry has meant so much to me, and it will be very difficult to leave my school after I have invested so much of my love here,” said Castillo. “(But I’ve learned) I am only a leader when I learn when to be a servant.”
