Gonzaga University
Responses from the Student Interview
From a student who identifies as Majors: Accounting and Business Administration double major with a Concentration in Law and Public Policy
Minor: None
Student Self Identifies as: Filipino Gay Male
Summary
I am part of Mock Trial and I was in the choir last year but not this year.
Background
Gender Identity: Male
Race/Ethnicity: Filipino
Sexual Orientation: Gay
High School Experience: Private high school in Saipan with a graduating class of about 40 students. About 1/3rd of the group goes to college in the United States.
First-Generation College Student: No
Majors: Accounting and Business Administration double major with a Concentration in Law and Public Policy
Minor: None
Extracurricular Activities: I am part of Mock Trial and I was in the choir last year but not this year.
Did any of your extracurricular activities have a particularly big impact on your experience?
Mock Trial has been a really great part of my experience so far. I enjoy the team I work with, as well as all the people I meet. We’re a very good program, and it helped with my public speaking and critical thinking skills.
Academic Experience
Can you describe your weekly coursework for your major?
It depends on the semester. Last semester was heavy in math because I took statistics, accounting, microeconomics, and a physics lab. This semester is very focused on reading. Generally, exams make up the bulk of our grades.
Is there anything you feel that either of your majors’ departments do especially well or poorly?
The business school does a really good job with their Accounting program. In my classes so far, I’ve been learning a lot and it tests me to think critically. It helps me analyze more. The teachers are very approachable and want you to succeed. When you ask them questions, they’ll try and be as helpful as possible and will provide as many resources as possible.
How would you describe the learning environment? Do you think it’s particularly competitive or collaborative?
I wouldn’t say it’s competitive. We’re not competing with each other, although it’s pretty difficult to get a high grade in some of the classes. To some degree, it’s collaborative because we have to rely on each other sometimes to teach each other how to answer the questions. Although some people can probably learn these things on their own, the environment in the classroom really encourages us to learn together to understand those problems.
How was transitioning academically as an international student? Are there systems in place to help international students adapt?
There are lots of resources. I’d say it’s mostly the students and the teachers that helped me adapt. Everyone here tries to help you learn and be successful. Most of them are approachable, and there’s also free tutoring for most subjects through the library. There are lots of people you can go to if you need help.
Why did you choose your majors? Are you happy with your choice?
I came into Gonzaga not knowing what I wanted to major in, so I was undeclared for a while. I realized I actually like the financial aspect of business, so that prompted me to declare my Accounting major. I also want to go to law school after graduating and I am thinking I could do tax law.
Reasons to Attend
1) The faculty and staff members in the financial aid office are welcoming and don’t disregard you when you have questions or need help.
2) The education is great. You learn a lot in your classes. They’ve been very insightful and there haven’t been and professors I’ve disliked.
3) It’s a really nice campus. It’s not too big or too small. You can get around anywhere pretty quickly. Gonzaga is a beautiful campus.
4) Your first two years at Gonzaga you’re required to have a meal plan, but they do have the currency called Bulldog Bucks which can be used to buy textbooks or food at places around campus.
Reasons Not to Attend
1) The tuition. It’s a private school so it’s expensive. [The total cost of living on campus is about $65,000.]
2) There isn’t much to do here in Spokane.
Around Campus
Where have you lived on and around campus?
Freshman: Coughlin Hall with one roommate
Sophomore: Dillon Hall with five other people
How was transitioning from your hometown in Saipan to Spokane, WA in terms of location?
It’s very different. In Saipan, the weather is 80 or 90 degrees every day and it’s hot at night. When I got here it was way colder than what I expected it to be. I’m not used to the snow and I’ve never seen snow before. In Saipan I see a beach everywhere I go, but there are none here. it’s also such a big city compared to how small Saipan is.
Can you describe the level of safety you’ve experienced on and around campus?
I’ve never walked around campus thinking to myself that I’m in danger. I’ve always felt safe on campus.
Social Opportunities
What kind of weekend activities or nightlife do you like to participate in?
It depends, sometimes my friends just want to stay in and watch a movie and maybe order some pizza. Other times, we like to go out to whatever is happening on or off-campus. Usually, if we go out it’s mostly out to eat, not to house parties.
What are your favorite events or activities?
The time spent in Mock Trial. I really love my team and the program. It’s a lot of work, but putting in a lot of time for it has gotten me close to a lot of people. We get to travel to different states working on cases together. It’s my most memorable time at Gonzaga.
How happy are you with the weekend activities or nightlife at your school? Is there anything you would change if you could?
I’m pretty happy with the weekend options available at Gonzaga. Every weekend they have SpikeNites so there’s always something to do during the weekend.
Campus Culture
How did you meet your closest friends?
I lived on the same floor as them. A lot of my suitemates this year are from my floor last year.
How would you describe the overall social scene at Gonzaga?
It’s pretty social. I always see people walking in groups and talking. There are always people at the Hemmingson Center, which is one of the main buildings. People are very welcoming if you join a program or activity. In my first year here, people were very inclusive.
To what extent do people of different races and sexual orientations mix socially?
People of different races and sexual orientations are included in the social life here. There are lots of clubs and activities for people of different races, but anyone can join. Every program here has been very inclusive to all people from what I’ve seen. I’ve never experienced someone being discriminated. [The undergraduate population is 70% White, 11% Hispanic, 1% Black, and 6% Asian.]
How would you describe the LGBTQ+ community on campus? How strong is it?
It’s pretty good here. I’ve never personally been or witnessed someone being discriminated based on their sexual orientation.
How do you like the size of Gonzaga in terms of undergraduate enrollment? How has it impacted your experience? [There are about 5,300 undergraduate students at Gonzaga.]
I like the size. It’s a pretty big campus compared to schools in Saipan. I like that at Gonzaga the professors get to know you and you’re not just a number.
Careers
What have you used the career office for? How helpful have they been?
They do a good job providing me with resources and answering my questions. They don’t disregard me. They give each student individual attention and try to help you.
Have you learned any computer programs or computer languages that will be helpful professionally?
I’ve learned how to use Excel, Access, and Tableau in my business management information systems class and my business computing class.
Financial Aid
Have you used financial aid? If so, how accommodating was the office to your needs?
I’ve been given a lot of financial aid and I go to the office a lot for more information on scholarships and how to get more money. The people I’ve talked to are very helpful. They’ve taught me a lot and given me lots of resources. They were also very welcoming and don’t disregard me.