Briel

The best thing about Grinnell is that the school takes what other schools offer, and multiplies it or gives it a special twist that makes it more exciting. Even though the school is small, I meet new people all the time. It’s definitely hard going to a school with little name recognition in the populous (I find graduate schools and top businesses have actually heard of Grinnell) but the name recognition is something I give up because this experience is really for me, for no one but me, and I know how great it is here, so that’s what counts. Grinnell is also known for its “self-governance” policies, nicknamed “self-gov” which basically insinuates that because students are adults, they should act responsibly and kindly toward others. If you see someone struggling, help them, because next time they will help you. It really works to build campus community. People say that the school is getting stricter, which is causing controversy, but it still remains incredibly lenient, especially compared to other institutions. Grinnellians have a lot of school pride, but it does not manifest itself in homecoming parades or school rallies, it’s more a love for each other and a voracious appetite for learning.

Academically, Grinnell is an excellent fit for students who are interested in full time learning. Students complain about the amount of homework, but since everyone has the same amount, there are lots of fun study breaks (organized by our SAs, who volunteer to community build on the floor they live on.) I’ve done all sorts of fun activities, like coloring and s’mores, board games and ginger bread houses, and one time my SA arranged for an international student to put henna on our hands! Another factor that balances out the amount of homework is the fact that it is very easy to get the classes you want, and the classes are always really interesting. I like to say, they have a “twist.” We don’t offer general courses, like American History 101. Instead, there is a “twist.” American history told through the eyes of the Native populations, American history in regards to our international policies, etc. Each class has the Grinnell “twist.” Homework is a lot easier to do when it is a class that is not only interesting, but a class you signed up for specifically. Grinnell is also known for having extremely intelligent professors, who are really there to teach. Although some may be working on other projects, every professor at Grinnell is dedicated to education. Professors will often meet one on one with students to check progress, approve essay topics, or to simply chat about topics that are relevant to the class and that interest the student. Professors invite students out for pizza or to their homes for a (much appreciated) home cooked meal. I have a friend who has developed a friendship with a professor that isn’t even for a course she is taking! They just found they had a lot in common, and wanted to talk about their interests.

I love my friends at school, but I pretty much love everyone. Even though there are definite friend groups, none of them are obsessively exclusive or rude. Students do not judge other students. I think there is a feeling that if they chose Grinnell, they are automatically a decent person. This may sound corny, but there is no one on campus that I know who I actually dislike. I am not friends with everyone (I am always meeting new people, despite the fact that we are such a small school) but of the people I know, acquaintances from class or gym buddies, no one has a bad bone in their body.

Socially, Grinnell is a good fit for students who don’t mind getting a little wild and rowdy. People say we embody the quote “work hard, play hard.” Since there are no fraternities or sororities, campus parties are sponsored by clubs or by interested students (who are reimbursed by the student government.) Again, the Grinnell twist is an integral part of our traditional parties. One favorite is called Mary B. James (named for the dorm with the same name) in which girls (Mary) dress like boys (James) and vice versa. Surprisingly, almost everyone on campus cross dresses, even the most feminine girls and the most masculine guys. Another party with a twist is Fetish, where the party requires you come dressed as a “fetish.” Grinnellians also get really into the party 10/10, which has a much-debated history. It’s big party that travels around campus, and involves an all-campus shot (of whichever liquid you chose, alcoholic or non-alcoholic) at midnight. Of course, parties like Disco, 80’s, and Halloween, are big too. In my experience, many Grinnell students drink. However, clubs sponsor dry (no alcohol) parties as well, and alternatives to the pre-parties, where there is almost always alcohol. And even if you don’t want to go to an alternative party, if you are not interested in drinking, it is totally okay and no one will pressure you.

I pretty much believe that Grinnell defies stereotypes. Of course, the outside world sees us all as smart, nerdy, liberal, green (environmentally conscious) hard-working, and passionate, but I think there are so many other factors that are important to consider.

All students at Grinnell are hard-working, have a lot of interests, and are passionate, but the stereotype that we’re all weed-smoking hippies is untrue. People here rarely fall into one stereotype. Even if someone looks like a “jock” and plays varsity football, you’ll often see him also playing Axis and Allies (a WWII strategy game) with Dagohir people (medieval, sword foam fighting group on campus… AKA nerdy) or as a jazz pianist at the beatnik underground café. A girl who seems preppy actually has a nerdy side, a love for Manga (Japanese anime) or knitting. In all my experience, as soon as I think I’ve figured someone out, they completely surprise me.