Monique McLay Shore ’90
Your campus and classroom experience is going to challenge you to grow and expand your understanding of the world. But there is much that can be learned off campus, too.
I still remember the first time I drove into ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú as a new student. I had never visited campus. I was nervous and anxious, but mostly excited to experience everything this small college and Midwestern town could offer.
I loved it from day one. But I know it often takes others a bit longer to see the nuanced richness that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú offers. Your campus and classroom experience is going to challenge you to grow and expand your understanding of the world. But there is much that can be learned off campus, too. I hope you will choose to get off campus and experience our rural community of varied ages and backgrounds.
Hang out at the coffee shop. Volunteer in the schools. Engage with the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú Area Arts Council. Get involved with one of our churches; they can be a wonderful support. Spend a summer here and enjoy the farmers market and free concerts in the park. Your experience will be enhanced by spending time off campus and learning the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú lessons that come outside of the classroom.
If you’re from a big city or another country, know it’s going to take a while to adjust. Be open-minded. I ended up settling in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú because I loved it so much. I worked at the public library, am active in many local organizations, and am the proud parent of a class of 2023 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú graduate.
I hope you are excited to start your ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú adventure. Plan to take walks and let the quiet sounds of nature, the dark night skies, and even the distant train whistles soothe your soul. The magic of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú experience will never leave you if you do.
Best,
Monique McLay Shore ’90
Drake Public Library (retired)