College of Charleston

Responses from the Student Interview

From a student  who identifies as Major: Political Science
Minor: Psychology
Student Self Identifies as: Caucasian Gay Male

Summary

I work part-time off-campus.

Background

Gender Identity: Male
Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian
Sexual Orientation: Gay

First-Generation College Student: No
High School Experience: Public school in Myrtle Beach, SC with a graduating class of about 350 students. There was a culture of going to college.
Major: Political Science
Minor: Psychology

Extracurricular Activities: I work part-time off-campus.

Academic Experience

Can you describe the weekly coursework for your major?
I changed my major at the end of last semester so this major I’m taking all of my core classes. I have reading every night for all of my classes and I usually have about two essays due per week, sometimes four. I’m five Political Science courses right now.
Is there anything you feel your major’s department does especially well or poorly?
The office hours with my Political Science professors have been really beneficial to me. I feel like the connections are there more so with my professors. Also, the Political Science professors are involved with a lot of different things on campus. For example, [a large portion] of our faculty-led study abroad programs are run by Political Science professors.
How would you describe the learning environment in your major? Do you think it’s particularly competitive or collaborative?
It’s more collaborative than competitive because there are soft debates, but it’s not like anyone is trying to beat another. We are all helping each other get to the same idea.
How accessible are your professors?
They’re very accessible. Usually, they have office hours two to three days a week and if you can’t make those they will help advise you through email or you can schedule your own time with them.
Do you feel that people are open to multiple schools of thought in the classroom?
Yes, more so than I was expecting with it being a liberal arts college. I was expecting it to be one-sided and if anyone brought up a conservative opinion it would be shut down. But, it seems more like there is a discussion to be had and you can see the pros and cons to each side of everyone’s argument.
Do you feel that there is a conservative voice present in the classroom due to the school’s location in South Carolina?
Yes, slightly, it’s certainly not strong. For example, in my World Politics class, there is a girl who has more conservative views and she’s able to freely share her ideas and we’re able to bounce off of each other in class. We will ask why each other thinks certain things [to create a better understanding of the topic].
What was your favorite class in your major?
Ethical Communications, which went over the Society of Professional Journalism Code of Ethics. Being in the media, every decision you make should align with your ethical morals. We basically went over court cases, which I really liked.
Why did you choose your major? Are you happy with your choice?
I started with Biology because I thought that’s what I thought I wanted to do in high school. But, when I got to college and started to try some different classes and expand I realized that this is what I’m more interested in, so it’s been a swift change. Also, my brother is a prosecutor and went through law school, so that helps.

Reasons to Attend

1. The location and the beauty the campus has to offer.
2. Once I found my major and what I think my path is, all of my professors have been so cool and interesting. I’ve been excited to go to every class.
3. As an LGBT person, Charleston is more welcoming to me than somewhere else in South Carolina would be.

Reasons Not to Attend

1) The cost of living here is expensive.
2) If you’re under 21, your options for nightlife and social life are very limited.
3) Some people might not like how intertwined the campus is with the city. You do encounter people who are visiting and are walking slowly on the sidewalk. It’s not just a college campus, you have to share it with everyone.

Around Campus

Where have you lived on campus?
Freshman: McAlister Hall with three roommates
Sophomore: Off-Campus in an apartment on King Street with one other roommate
How was transitioning from Myrtle Beach, SC to Charleston, SC?
It wasn’t really bad because I’m not too far from home. It’s about a two-hour drive. Because of that, it was definitely easier for me.
Can you describe the level of safety you have experienced on and around campus?
I feel like if you’re doing what you need to do to be safe, you’re fine. Usually, the accidents I hear about are drunk people getting into fights and stuff like that. Also, we have the blue light system that you can use if you don’t feel safe.

Social Opportunities

What kind of weekend activities or nightlife do you like to participate in?
I work part-time so if I’m not at work or doing school work I’m usually at home hanging out or I like to go on walks to The Battery or walk the Ravenel Bridge. I’m not that into the King Street bar scene.
Are there any on-campus events that you like to go to?
I have been to a couple of theater productions. Also, through the Political Science department, speakers will come and speak about different topics. Usually, my professors will give extra credit if you go to those, but it’s also cool to see graduate schools who are doing research and doing what I want to do.
How happy are you with the weekend options at Charleston? Is there anything you would change?
I think the diversity and inclusion could be better. Also, I’m not in Greek life, but there have been some instances with Greek life organizations doing extremely bad things and getting kicked off campus. I also think there is a bit of a substance abuse issue that may need to be addressed on campus.

Campus Culture

How did you meet your closest friends?
My closest friends were both my friends from high school. We met in high school and it carried on here.
How would you describe the overall social scene at Charleston?
In my classes, it feels like everyone is putting up their own little wall up but as soon as people start to talk it breaks down so quickly. I’ve made so many friends through some of my classes. Like, I’ve taken silly step aerobics classes where I have made new friends and laughed with people, so I think it’s good.
How identifying as LGBT influenced your social experience?
It has greatly. I ended up choosing Charleston because, through my friends who had gone here what I read online, I learned that Charleston was a more accepting and open city, which I have found to be true.
How would you describe the LGBT community? How strong is it?
I haven’t done my best as far as getting involved with groups. Like, I haven’t joined the Gay Straight Alliance or anything like that. The gay community is not as large as I thought it was going to be when I came, but I wasn’t upset by that. I have still been able to make gay friends and share that experience.
To what extent do people of different races and sexual orientations mix socially?
I feel like it maybe is a little bit more cliquey by race more so than sexuality. But, that’s also because people can see race before they can see sexuality.
How would you describe the student body?
I would say it’s very strong and actively using its voice. We try to figure out what problems students have and call attention to those problems.
Do you feel more so like a resident of Charleston or a student at College of Charleston?
I do feel more so like a resident of Charleston but that’s because I’ve limited myself in what I’ve gotten involved in because I’ve had to work instead. But, I feel like my friends would probably disagree with me and would identify much more as a student and member of the College.
To what extent do people inside and outside of Greek life mix?
I have friends in Greek life and one of my friends didn’t rush until this year, so I would say people mix pretty heavily. I go to sorority mixers and functions and a lot of the times the girls will bring their friends from other sororities or guys who aren’t in fraternities as their dates. The events are very inclusive, it’s not like they are exclusive to Greek life.
How do you like the size of your school in terms of undergraduate enrollment? [There are about 9,900 undergraduate students at College of Charleston.]
I like the size. I feel like it fits Charleston. I feel like if there were more students in my class it would be really busy. But, class sizes are comfortable and walking to and from places is comfortable.

Careers

Has the alumni network helped you find internships or jobs?
I used it for an on-campus internship doing office work like printing and delivering stuff.
To what extent have you used the career office? How helpful has it been?
I’ve used them before for resume building tips. They also have a bunch of pamphlets and information guides on how to talk to people who are interviewing you and stuff like that. I feel like they’ve helped in that regard.
Have you learned any computer programs that are helpful or will be helpful to you professionally?
I learned how to use Excel in Biology labs. Other than that, there hasn’t been any Python use or anything.

Financial Aid

Have you used financial aid? If so, how responsive is the office to your needs?
They are responsive at times. If it’s right before bills are due, there are a lot of people calling and it’s hard to get in touch. Other than that, it’s usually pretty good.