Reed College

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Looking back upon the person I was when coming to Reed three years ago is like looking through an opaque window. I still see the frame and some features from my old self in who I am now, but the greater part of who I am rests on this side of the mirror, having been tempered by my experiences at Reed. I suppose that my reasons for coming to Reed, after examination and time, still hold up: I desired a small school with an intimate academic setting, a liberal and open culture to present numerous facets of the world, and a community of mostly-nice and genuine individuals who would be friendly. I did not want to be another face in the crowd at a large state school, and I wanted to experience the traditional collegiate rites of passage with members of the Reed community. I could state that I have lost love, found love, done drugs, studied hard, been arrested, and snuck onto a golf course at night, but any student at any college could very well have done the same. Empirically, Reed’s commitment to making critical thinkers and writers out of its students separates it from other academic institutions. Although many other institutions will train their students to write and think, Reed has bombarded my mind with reading, writing, and thought, helping me realize a level of intellectual self-awareness that I never thought possible. Not only has Reed further kindled my desire for learning, education, and critical thought, but it has inspired me to aspire to post-graduate research in literature; I simply have become an insatiable, knowledge-seeking beast—as are most students here. We push ourselves hard because we choose to, just as we go here because we want to. Any Reedie who wishes to be somewhere else has already left for that place. People stay at Reed and endure its academic rigors because they truly love and are committed to what the college has
to offer.

Essentially, most students believe in Reed. Although feeling disenchanted with their institution of higher education at times, most Reedies accept their school’s shortcomings for what they are, and accept that they can not see themselves anywhere else. Reed is not just a college; it is an academic, personal, and social experience, and Reedies respect and cherish it.

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Drug Safety at Reed College

gevorest

Physics '15

2.7

C+

Drug Scene Present, but No Pressure

The drug scene is very present, though people tend to respect others when doing them. If you want to stay sub-free, you are more than able to do so. If you don't wan't to remain sub free, there are many opportunities to do so as well. Most parties are alcohol fed, and there is a fair amount of people smoking pot, though not as many as Reed's reputation would let you to believe. The administration is doing everything they can to keep the students safe, and there is usually no public substance use (other than alcohol).

Apr 29, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Reed College

gevorest

Physics '15

4.6

A

Great for a Low Key or Alternative Taste

Portland is a great, if somewhat low key, city. It's full of little bars and pubs (especially if you are over 21) and has a decent theater scene, especially for cult classics or indie productions. There is a concert every weekend, though you shouldn't expect any pop icons. The natives are friendly, and there is relatively low crime rate (especially if you stay in the more affluent areas). Shopping is decent, with most shops being downtown, including one of the largest bookstores in the world! Great city to bike through, and public transportation is pretty good. Lots of good restaurants and little cafes to sneak into. Overall, if you are not looking for a buzzing party life, Portland is a very good city to live in.

Apr 29, 2012

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Weather at Reed College

rachelgfox

Biology '15

2.3

C

Rain Rain Go Away

It is always rainy or cloudy. Or at least it feels that way. When a sunny day rolls in many people are outside, some of them are naked, trying to soak up what sun they can while it lasts.

If you like rain, it's okay...

Apr 10, 2012

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