(Haverford) You've read about the small size, close faculty/student relationships

Alumni Survey

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Male

Quite Bright

Date: Aug 12 2006
Major: (This Major's Salary over time)
You've read about the small size, close faculty/student relationships and cozy and friendly environment. All true. What I'll address is the issue often raised my many minority students about haverford as I am a minority individual. I am surprised that minority students today complain about a lack of diversity on campus as when I was there, % was 22 and not the 31% it is today. Can it be more, of course... Haverford may be harder for minority students than expected because of the small size. 32% minority may seem like a lot, and it is, but 32% of 1150 kids is very different than 32% of a campus of 1300-2000 students. "Critical mass" is an issue. I have to say that, i was "depressed" with the diversity of HC when I was there but I learned to be friends with people I wouldn't have otherwise have taken the time to get to know... and am firends with them even today. It can be lonely at times because, given the numbers, it'll be hard to find someone with your exact background and interests, but I think it makes you stronger as a person. I applied to and was accepted as a transfer to Brown and Columbia my sophmore year but I decided to stay at HC and can't be happier with my decision. I realized that my friends at those schools hang out with people just like them and don't know people who are different which i realized is a shame. Haverford isn't a perfect place and occasionally insensitive things occur, but i think it happens far less here than anywhere else. I think one reason why minority students here get occasionally "disappointed" is because Haverford sets itself to very high standards in terms of community and values, almost unreachable, so disappointment is often magnified against these lofty benchmarks. In addition, i think Haverford provides a supportive environment for students to explore and find their voice as I certainly found my confidence and determination there.

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