I recently had to give a speech in my advanced communications class that portrayed a “tour” of St. Joseph’s College’s small Long Island commuter campus, almost as if we were showing around a freshman or transfer student who was interested in attending. Being confused as to how I’d give a tour while stationary in a classroom, I instead used the opportunity to reflect and present everything I love about my school. Planning this speech made me realize how little I actually appreciate St. Joe’s. At some points, I find myself questioning why I even decided to come here — but now that I’ve been able to reminisce on all the great times and experiences I’ve had in my two years here so far, the reasons are pretty obvious.

Most of the changes made on campus have been great. It’s rare to find someone who genuinely enjoys huge changes, and I think that’s been the hardest part about going here. The campus used to be simple, with a small quad and multiple student lounges to hang out and hold club events. Now, most — if not all — events are held on the grass in front of the Danzi Athletic Center, while the remodeled quad remains clean and free of any possible obstructions. In fact, we’re advised against using the grass on the quad. Also there's only one student lounge now: it's super big and hard to relax in because it's right in front of the main doors to O'Connor Hall, our campus' main building. Basically, anyone who walks in those doors can see you or listen in on your conversation pretty easily. Considering the lounge I used to hang out in with my friends just last semester was small and more private, this change has been the biggest negative impact I've experienced.

Aside from those bumps in the road, St. Joe's has changed for the better. For example, we have a new, tiny café on the third floor of O’Connor that serves cute pastries, healthier alternatives to the cafeteria’s food, and Starbucks drinks. Like, actual Starbucks drinks. Not just Starbucks coffee flavors, like hotels usually have in their lobbies and advertise as a real Starbucks (which is what I originally assumed this new café would contain.)

SJC has very small classes, which is perfect for someone like me. I suffer from social anxiety (amongst other things lol S.O.S.) and the class sizes are so comforting, as compared to the idea of being somewhere with huge lecture halls. Rooms are rarely filled to the highest extent, and because of that, you get to really know your professors. You’re not just a numbered student they’ve been assigned to teach, you’re their student and they genuinely want to take you under their wing and help you learn. Most of the professors I’ve met are super friendly and personable, willing to speak one-on-one, give office hours, and create a relationship with all of their students. Because of this bond they form with us, they also understand that most of us have a lot on our plates besides school. Sometimes, the textbook isn’t required — for the sake of our financial wellness — which is really nice to hear during syllabus week. They also sometimes take note to the students like me who are petrified of public speaking, and offer not to pick on you as much as the others around you. As a communications major, these small classes are a blessing: I’d much rather give speeches in front of 15 - 30 other people than 50 or more, as I’d need to in most other schools.

Now as I said earlier, St, Joe’s on Long Island is a commuter school — although we are apparently getting dorms in the near future, they still have yet to exist unlike at SJC Brooklyn. Since it’s a commuting school and some of us live pretty far away, most students spend their entire days on campus. Whether they’re spending their time getting work done in the library; attending practice at our outdoor field complex (or the OFC, as we call it); or doing a paid work study in the book store, the Danzi, or in one of O’Connor’s various offices; most students are generally around campus for the majority of their day. Because of this, most people are super friendly. We understand each others’ struggles, so little acts of kindness are always given. People will almost always hold doors for you, and will almost always smile if you make eye contact -- and if you need help navigating or figuring something out, you can usually ask a fellow student for help, or work with them to figure out whatever it is you need.

When I was applying for colleges, my parents were a little upset that I wouldn’t get the “college experience,” and I was even resented by high school classmates because they didn’t think a commuting school was at all interesting. Little did they know that getting to work, go to classes, and hang out with my friends and boyfriend every day would be just what I wanted. I mean, in my opinion, that’s better than spending my days in class and nights getting blackout drunk at some bar or frat party every night of the week — which is the typical “college experience” that everyone implies is necessary to grow and succeed in our late teens/early 20’s. Not to bash anyone who likes that stuff. I just don’t prefer it, myself.

What I want to leave you with, in case I didn’t get my intended point across, is this: St. Joseph’s isn’t just some average commuter school, and it’s not a community college like Suffolk or Nassau. It’s a real college, with Greek life and sports and clubs and everything a “normal” college has to offer. Just because we don’t literally live at school, doesn’t mean that our school is any less cool than yours. It might only be made up of 3 big buildings and a few small ones scattered here and there, and parking might be annoying, but our small campus and similar struggles and lifestyles create a completely unique culture that us Golden Eagles can call our own. As a commuting college student, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.