Berea College: Pros vs Cons (SENIOR YEAR)

Summary

In this updated video, JC Brady reflects on their senior year at Berea College, sharing a comprehensive list of pros and cons compared to their freshman year's video. They discuss the challenges freshmen face, such as limited class selection, mandatory jobs, and strict rules, while highlighting the benefits of free tuition, diverse student body, and abundant resources. JC also touches on the college's unique aspects like wellness classes, swim tests, and the small-town environment, offering insights to prospective students.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker is a senior at Berea College and is updating a previous video about the pros and cons of the college experience.
• 📚 Freshmen at Berea College do not have the freedom to choose their first set of classes and face challenges during registration due to seniority-based priority.
• 🏢 All students, including freshmen, are required to work on campus, but they do not have a choice in the type of job they receive, which can be frustrating.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Freshmen are mandated to take two wellness classes and pass a swim test, which the speaker found unnecessary and time-consuming.
• 🚗 Freshmen are not allowed to have a car on campus unless they live exceptionally far away, which can limit their freedom and opportunities to explore.
• 🍽 The dining options at Berea College are described as limited in variety, especially for vegetarians and vegans, and the food quality is not always satisfactory.
• 🏫 The small size of Berea city means students must travel to nearby cities for a more diverse range of activities and shopping options.
• 📈 The academic workload at Berea College is intense, and attendance is strictly monitored, which can be challenging for students adjusting to college life.
• 🌐 Berea College offers numerous free resources and services to students, including counseling, career development, and internship funding, which greatly enhance the educational experience.
• 🌱 The college emphasizes environmental sustainability, offering various programs and initiatives that promote eco-friendly living and learning.
• ❤️ The speaker expresses gratitude for the supportive community at Berea College, highlighting the diversity, free tuition, and the strong sense of camaraderie among students.

Q & A

Why does the speaker feel compelled to make an updated Berea College pros and cons video?

The speaker feels compelled to make an updated Berea College pros and cons video because they are now a senior and have gained more insights and experiences since their freshman year when they made the original video.

What is one significant challenge freshmen face regarding class selection at Berea College?

Freshmen at Berea College do not get to choose their first set of classes, and even during the spring semester registration, they have the lowest priority, often leaving them with limited options.

How does the speaker describe their freshman year job experience at Berea College?

The speaker describes their freshman year job experience as challenging and isolating, having been assigned a janitorial position which they found repetitive and not enjoyable.

What is the requirement regarding car ownership for freshmen at Berea College?

Freshmen at Berea College are not allowed to have a car on campus unless they live more than seven hours away from the school.

Why does the speaker mention the swim test as one of the cons of being a freshman at Berea College?

The speaker mentions the swim test as a con because it is a random requirement that all freshmen must pass or else they have to enroll in beginner swimming classes.

What is the significance of Berea College being a labor college as mentioned in the script?

Berea College being a labor college means that all students are required to have a job on campus, which is part of their educational experience and contributes to their work-study financial aid package.

How does the speaker feel about the academic workload at Berea College?

The speaker initially found the academic workload at Berea College to be very challenging and intense, especially during their freshman year, but has learned to handle it better as a senior.

What is the policy regarding opposite sex visitation in freshman dorms at Berea College?

Freshmen at Berea College could not have the opposite sex in their rooms during the first semester, but there is a possibility that this policy might change in the future.

What are some of the free resources available to students at Berea College according to the speaker?

Some of the free resources available to students at Berea College include counseling services, career development, internship funding, writing resources, and various clubs and organizations.

How does the speaker view the diversity and inclusion at Berea College?

The speaker views Berea College as being very diverse and inclusive, which has allowed them to learn about different religions, cultures, and perspectives, enriching their educational experience.