The first thing that people say when I tell them I go to the University of Scranton is, “Scranton? Isn’t that where the Office is?”
Unfortunately, I’ve never gotten into the show. But from what I do know, the characters have very different personalities that sometimes clash, but in the end makes for a great collaborative team. Here at Scranton, not one person has the same personality. We may not always get along, but in the end we’ll always hold the door open for one another, or pick each other up after slipping down the Commons on a rainy day. Throughout my four years of attending the university, I have built relationships that could last me a lifetime. I have found my best friends who I can count on through volunteer opportunities, retreats and any event that helps us grow as a community.
Not only are the students amazing, but the faculty and staff are as well. I can’t find a single person on campus that is not completely in love with the women that greet you before you swipe onto 3rd floor DeNaples cafeteria. In every single one of my jobs on campus, all of my supervisors are more than supportive. They focus on how my strengths can positively influence their office. They also push me in areas where I need more improvement.
This school is very small, which has its pros and cons. I see students that I have never met before almost three times a day. I feel like we’re friends, but I don’t even know their name. However, the small class sizes are beneficial to each student. Each student has extra attention from their teachers in class, which helps me learn more efficiently.
I know this sounds cliché, but I spend most of my time in the library. As a resident assistant (RA) for freshman girls, my dorm room may not be the most conducive place to get studying done. Depending on the severity of studying needed, I like to stay on the 2nd floor tables. It’s not too quiet, and I don’t feel as secluded as I would in a cubicle on the 5th floor, also known as the quiet floor. Plus, I can always take frequent breaks from studying to say hi to someone walking by.
This campus has a lot of school pride. Not a day goes by when I don’t see someone in the cafeteria or even on the commons wearing some sort of Scranton gear. The sports teams, clubs and organizations love to show off their clothing. I even see students wearing clothing representing their dorm, showing how proud they are to live in the residence halls.
However, not everything is rainbows and butterflies in Scranton. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a rainbow here. The weather is bipolar. One day, students can be throwing a Frisbee around on the green, while the sun is shining and everyone’s sitting outside on the DeNaples patio. Then the next day it could torrential downpour to the point where rain boots, an umbrella and a raincoat just aren’t cutting it. What’s next? Snow on Halloween?