There's lots of talk going on about CUC right now. Program changes, new administration, buildings being finally built (hopefully)...the school is abuzz with change.

Some people are still unsure about CUC. They are the ones who ask me, "Why did you choose to go there?" They seem to find it shocking, for some reason!

I give everyone the same reasons I went to CUC, and still enjoy it here. I'm a senior, and although I can't wait to graduate, I can't help but feel a little bittersweet about leaving. Everyone has a love-hate relationship with their school, whether you don't like the cafeteria food, or the curfew, but you can't deny that if you really, truly enjoy your college, these things sorta blend into the background.

Here's my reasons why I still love CUC:

1. Location. Yes, it's a catch-phrase for the school ("the Adventist college at the Nation's Capital!"), but it's more than that. I got a great internship last summer in downtown D.C. that I would never have been able to get if I didn't have the proximity to the city and the experience from working at the college. I'm only about 2 hours from home, so I can go home on the weekends without having to sacrifice a whole of driving to get there. There are endless restaurants, shopping, museums and exhibits to see. There are so many reasons why living near a city, but not directly in the city, is great. Plus, Takoma Park is an adorable town, filled with organic-food-eating, environmentally-conscious people who are friendly and personable.
   
2. My department. The Department of Communication and Journalism is a big factor in why I love CUC. My professors are not only my teachers--they are sincerely my friends. I can call them by their first names, speak with them candidly, ask for help...anything I need. My classes are fun and engaging, and not completely lecture-based...everyone always starts a discussion. The department recently got approved to start a chapter of the communication honors society Lambda Phi Eta. I'm getting inducted next Sunday...exciting!
3. My friends. I have a diverse, unique group of friends at CUC. They are all from different backgrounds, different cities...even different countries. We all bring something special to the table, and there's always something new to be learned. Some of my friends are great at designing for projects, others will be famous entrepreneurs. It seems like a lot of students at CUC are preparing for great success and are focused on their futures, which is something that's important to me.
4. The on-campus spiritual life. CUC has been called less spiritual than other Adventist colleges, but that's simply not the case. Aside from the numerous opportunities by the Campus Ministries Office to get involved, there are local chapters of spiritual organizations, and many ways to share your spiritual gifts at churches like Sligo Adventist Church, right on CUC's campus. I recently blogged about visiting the New Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church. That's the kind of experience you can only have in an urban area.

If you have any questions about my CUC experience, please e-mail me at jwile[at]cuc.edu.

Have a great Sabbath!

Labels: cuc spiritual life, Jaclyn Wile, student blog

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