Allegheny College

Responses from the Student Interview

From a student  who identifies as Major: Psychology
Minor: Black Studies
Student Self Identifies as: Black Straight Female

Summary

I’m [have a leadership position] in the Black Girl Magic club and I’m a member of other cultural clubs like the Association for the Advancement of Black Culture (ABC) and the African Students Association (ASA).

Background

Gender Identity: Female
Race/Ethnicity: Black
Sexual Orientation: Straight

High School Experience: Private school in Pittsburgh, PA with a graduating class of 90 people. There was a culture of going to college.
First-Generation College Student: Yes
Major: Psychology
Minor: Black Studies

Extracurricular Activities: I’m [have a leadership position] in the Black Girl Magic club and I’m a member of other cultural clubs like the Association for the Advancement of Black Culture (ABC) and the African Students Association (ASA).
Did any of your extracurricular activities have a particularly big impact on your experience?
In particular, Black Girl Magic has had an impact. It taught me how to manage my time going from freshman to sophomore year. This year, with taking on the responsibility of [have a leadership position], it is a lot more on my plate.

Academic Experience

Can you describe your weekly coursework for your major?
It’s a lot of essays for Black Studies. There’s not a lot of exams in the early classes, but this semester, now that I’ve gotten further on in the major, it’s more exams in my Psychology classes.
Is there anything you feel your major’s department does especially well or poorly?
All the faculty members in the Psychology department are very helpful. Anytime I have a question or am confused about what to do as far as my major or what classes to take, they’ve all been able to help me in the process.
How would you describe the learning environment? Do you think it’s particularly competitive or collaborative?
The environment I’m in is more collaborative. The people I surround myself around are focused on helping their friends rather than getting a better grade. I feel like that’s the way for most people.
How accessible are your professors?
It’s really easy to meet with them. Normally, I just email my professors a week in advance and they find time within my schedule and we schedule a meeting.
Do you feel that people are open to multiple schools of thought in the classroom?
I’d say people [respond to opinions that are different than the consensus in an academic sense], but I’d say that’s just because we’re in a classroom setting and nobody is bold enough to really give their opinion. In the Black Studies classes, there are certain things people won’t say because they feel like they don’t have the right to do so. Sometimes they don’t give their opinion and sometimes they do because it’s okay to give your opinion and be questioned on it because that’s the only way to learn.
Why did you pick your major? Are you happy with your choice?
When I first came here I thought I was going to be a physician’s assistant so I had the idea of majoring in Biology. But, I took a Chemistry class and realized it wasn’t for me. I really like talking people through their issues and one of my friends suggested maybe I should look into being a Psychology major. I took a class and really liked it, so I declared.
How was transitioning academically as a first-generation college student? Are there systems in place that help you transition?
During my freshman year, I didn’t even know I was a first-generation student so I wasn’t looking for anything. This year, I’d say there are resources out there but you just have to open your mouth and say you need help. They’ll reach out to you, but if you don’t respond or take the time to say you need something, they can’t help you.

Reasons to Attend

1) When I came on campus I knew right away [that I wanted to go here]. It’s one of the prettier campuses and it’s nice to walk around outside.
2) Academically, it has really good utilities in the labs.
3) The small class sizes allow you to get close to professors. You’re not just a number, teachers know you by name. They also come to your sporting events. [The average class size is 11 students.]
4) There are a ton of opportunities to try different things.

Reasons Not to Attend

None

Around Campus

Where have you lived ?
Freshman: Brooks Hall with one roommate
Sophomore: Brooks Hall with one roommate
How was transitioning from your Pittsburgh to Meadville, PA?
I’d say it’s definitely a culture shock because Pittsburgh is a big city. There’s always something around and somewhere to go, but in Meadville, it’s completely different. There’s almost nowhere to go and you have to search for things to do.
Can you describe the level of safety you’ve experienced ?
I feel pretty safe on campus and Meadville police are always around.

Social Opportunities

What kind of weekend activities or nightlife do you like to participate in?
On the weekends I normally work, and nightlife is mostly hanging out with friends and maybe going out. Sometimes we’ll go out to eat, have a girls’ night, or go out to a party. The parties I go to are hosted by people I usually know in apartments on campus.
How happy are you with the weekend options? Is there anything you would change if you could?
It’s fine for me. There are options on campus and I can get off-campus if needed. I’m normally on campus, but I have a car so I could easily go home one weekend.

Campus Culture

How did you meet your closest friends?
I met one of my closest friends at orientation. I met another one of my closest friends during my first year at a football game.
How would you describe the overall social scene at Allegheny?
I’d say it’s all over the place. I don’t like confining myself to one group or putting myself in spots where I’m only hanging out with a certain group of people. I like branching out and meeting other people who do different things. There are cliques, but you can mix around a lot if you try.
To what extent do you think people of different races and sexual orientations mix socially?
A fair amount. It’s common to see diverse groups of friends on campus. [The undergraduate population is 9% Hispanic, 8% Black, 68% White, and 4% Asian.]
How would you describe the African American community on campus? How strong is it?
It could be stronger, but it’s stronger than it was last year. For me coming in freshman year, it was a new school and a new place so I was quieter instead of going out there and seeing what it’s like. Now that I actually am involved, I’d say it’s more involved than what I thought it was.
To what extent do people in Greek life and not in Greek life mix socially?
They mix a lot. I have friends both in Greek life and not in Greek life.
How do you like the size of Allegheny in terms of undergraduate enrollment? How was transitioning to a school with [about 1,800] students?
I like it and it helps with my academics because there’s a smaller classroom setting. There are more personal relationships with your classmates and professors. You’re not just a number, your opinion matters.

Careers

Have you learned any computer languages or software that will be helpful to you professionally?
My [on-campus job] has taught me how to use different applications on Google.

Financial Aid

Have you used financial aid? If so, accommodating was the office to your needs?
I visited the office a lot during my freshman year. I’d say for the situation I was going through, they were very helpful and understanding.