Providence College

READ THIS!! Contrary to what this website might have one think, I am an intellectual and successful young woman preparing to graduate from Providence College this year - and will leave PC more enlightened and well-rounded than I ever expected or even wanted to be. So let me tell you the "other" side of the story.

When I applied to PC, on a certain superficial and ignorant level, I was eager to go to a school where I would get a respected degree while I partied hard, got to hang out with fellow athletes, as well as other Catholic white kids from similiar backgrounds. So far, the other contributors to this message board are nodding their self-righteous heads as they sit, undoubtedly alone, wondering why life doesn't hand them leomonade or why the glass is always half empty.

Now in my fourth and final year here, I know how blessed I am to have come to PC. And believe me, there was a certain point when my understanding of PC as a "perfect school" was shattered. It was kind of like when I learned Santa wasn't real and that my family had been lying to me. I hated Christmas and I hated my family for candycoating it. But guess what, you grow up. I realized that ya, a college is a business. They want to provide an incredible learning experience for their students, but that comes at a price. Is the price putting money towards helping the school image? Or improving the athletic programs? Is it creating a super-selective student body? You bet it is, it is at every school.

As for the "snooty" student body? Get over yourself. Quit worrying about people who aren't worth worrying over. Instead of whining about a few rich brats, go find friends who like stuff you do - they are HERE!

The religiousness? I don't even know what to say because I've NEVER seen anyone have a problem with this. Not my protestant friends here, not my jewish friends here, not my non-practicing friends.

Homogeneity? First, you knew the demographics before you came here. But secondly, I've been so lucky to meet the people here from different backgrounds than me, and every year the school makes big strides in improving our diversity. And if there isn't already a club for a certain cultural group, everyone's eager to see to it. All these organizations hold special events that celebrate their cultures and others. PC is always inviting sensational musical groups, speakers, and films to be attended year-round, and on campus.

If I sound a bit on the offensive, I am. When I read "comments" about PC that are lies based entirely from someones jaded broken spirit, I get angry. And you know what else? It really hurts me. When I hear disparaging remarks about Providence I feel like I've been punched in the gut.

PC is part of who I am and who I will be. PC is my best friend, my thirst for knowledge, my spiritual growth. PC is not perfect and neither am I.

PC sucks if you let it. Life sucks if you let it. There's no Santa, but it turns out Christmas isn't what comes on December 25th, its what YOU bring to December 25th.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2005

Education Quality: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: B+

Yes this is a homogenous school. Predominantly white Catholic. I do not know all the departments but speaking as a Music and Theater double major, i have found many people in those areas to be very open-minded and tolerant. I have never run into a problem with voicing my opinions and differing with others. The religion does happen to be there and most people attend mass, but it is never something that is forced. The real sense of Catholicism that is so often downplayed by critics are the several outreach and charity organizations that are run by campus ministry. PC is not in the greatest of neighborhoods - I was part of a group called "Christmas in April" where we spent an afternoon painting a local elementary school and cleaning up the surrounding yards. There are student run groups who teach adult literacy, child care and volunteer at the local hospital. The student body has an unbelieveable sense of community. Most people drink, but i personally do not and never found this to be a problem. There were so many other activities going on that i never felt like i had to. I am involved in almost 10 different activites on campus and would probably be doing more if i had the time. It is easy for any college student to fall into a rut and if they dont find something straight away, they give up. At PC, if one gives any effort, he/she will find so many other groups to keep them occupied and people who they get along with in those groups. I was also very involved in a Gay/Straight ALliance group in my high school and was comforted to know that there is SHEPARD Chapter that is slowly but surely helping with tolerance.

1st Year Female -- Class 2007

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: C+