Annie Bierman '11
Graduation Year: 2011
Major: English
Minor: Spanish
Why did you come to McKendree?
When applying to colleges my senior year of high school, McKendree was close to last on my list because it only created a ten minute difference between my house and the institution. After visiting during the October Preview Day, I was suprised to see that many of the faculty, staff, and current students made the effort to welcome the students who may or may not even be attending McKendree that following year. I felt that they really wanted me to go there because I was me and not just a number to fulfill the quota for the freshmen class. I saw the small class sizes, the teacher to student ratio, and the potential to get involved within the campus community as the best blend of my academic goals and personality.
Favorite McKendree memory?
When I was a freshman at McKendree, I wanted belong to something that had more substance than a typical club. I looked into all three sororities on campus and really found that I identified with one of them. I felt an instant bond of sisterhood between all the girls, and it made me feel like part of a family that was able to help me through problems that I have that maybe they have also had in college. Whenever I need one of them, I can always count on them. Being part of the sorority has made me appreciate McKendree so much more because it is something that all the girls have in common. Therefore, we are able to help each other with every aspect of school. Indeed, we may fight or disagree sometimes, but it has really helped me to learn about compromise and understanding arguments from a point of view other than my own. Also, I believe that my sorority’s need for group collaboration to function has taught me that I do not have to everything on my own. Team work actually produces better results and outcomes than I could ever imagine on my own.
Favorite Thing About McKendree?
My favorite part about McKendree would be the sense of home and communtiy created from the moment I walked onto this campus when I was a prospective student. Now as a student, I can walk across campus, the dorms, or through McKendree West and see a familiar face in other students, faculty, or staff. I love that I have an entire support system here who wants to see me succeed, but can also help me through the obstacles I face.
Why do you encourage other students to come here?
I believe that college is the place for people to evolve into the person they want to be when they grow up. Every year at McKendree, I feel as though I am closer to the person I want to be, thanks to the help of my peers, organizations, and faculty/staff. I want prospective students to see that through me, see their own potential through an education at McKendree, and want that for themselves.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in? Student Ambassadors, Student Government Association, Literary Interest Society, New Student Orientation, University 101 Peer Mentor, Kappa Sigma Tau, Inter Greek Council