Written by Emilie Powers
Students at Hastings College are part of a family that has been growing for more than 125 years, as has the College's strong foundation of education and excellence. Hastings College’s motto is “Pursue Your Passion.” It’s true that HC students are usually high achievers, and there are many things to take advantage of on campus. J-term, a one-month class session in January, features many week or longer class trips to places including Australia, Africa, New York, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Not many students choose to study abroad, but the option is available. Through connections with past students who’ve studied abroad and by brainstorming with professors, students can come up with a number of options for international study. Students can also take advantage of a personalized program, which is created with the help of a professor and presented to the Board of Trustees for approval. The possibilities are endless, and not only in academics. Hastings College offers more than 70 student organizations. Students have to try hard to not find something to their liking to get involved in on campus.
The Hastings College family is less sappy sitcom and more comfort and satisfaction, from the relationships between students and teachers to dorm life and beyond. Other words students frequently use to describe Hastings College are elite, fun, small, proud, individualized, and exciting. Even some students who left before graduating still expressed similar positive thoughts about the College. Not every student is happy here, but those who put in the time and effort find they can get what they want out of Hastings if they only try. If you’re not pleased with your living situation, the Director of Housing will help you work it out. If you have difficulty in a class, teachers will find you a reliable tutor or help you themselves. The College can’t knock on every student’s door and ask what they can do to help, but they welcome students who seek out solutions to their problems. They will try their hardest to help make the best of a bad situation. The Hastings College family is here for you, but you have to make it happen. You may not always be happy with your family, but you’re going to love this one in the end for giving you the best educational, social, and life experience that money can buy.