Parents, siblings influence college decisions
As many high school students begin to think about college, it is likely that there’s already one that has been on their mind for a while. Many seniors actually make a college decision that follows in their parent’s or sibling’s footsteps.
By Ellie Stotts
“It’s nice to have someone that’s been through it before and can tell you what to expect,” 2013 NAHS graduate Caroline Utz said.
Utz is now the third child in her family to attend the University of Richmond. Her older brother first made the college decision to attend Richmond, which then later influenced Utz’s older sister as well. And although Richmond was influential for Utz, it wasn’t her first choice.
“I always knew I liked Richmond, but I wanted to be different and try something else,” Utz said, “I had a few options and I was really serious about DePauw in Greencastle, Indiana, and Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.”
Although keeping an open mind through her college search, Utz said she knew Richmond was the right choice for her after visiting her sister at school one last time before she made her final decision.
“I am so unbelievably happy that I chose Richmond,” Utz said. “The school itself is beautiful, and I’ve made so many new friends. Everyone is friendly and wants to get to know you. The school is small enough that I run into at least three or four people I know on my way to class! The professors I have had here are so interesting and really care about their students and want them to succeed. I can’t imagine going to school anywhere else. Go spiders!”
On the other hand, NAHS senior counselor Laura McGuirk, was the influence for her children’s college choice.
“I was an influence for my children, because I wanted them to get the opportunity and experience to go away based on the college experience I had,” Mrs. McGuirk said.