Each individual’s story is different and comes from a personalized experience. I know why I chose Nazareth College, but I was curious as to why two of my friends chose to pursue their undergraduate degrees here as well. Michaela Darbyshire, freshman communication and media major, remembers receiving her acceptance letter like it was yesterday… because it was only one year ago when this took place. On the other hand, Morgan Payne, senior English literature major and communication and media minor, is graduating in a few short months and has experienced four years of what Naz has to offer.

What is your favorite aspect of Nazareth College which separates it from other colleges?

Michaela: I know it’s a typical answer, but I love that Naz is a smaller sized school. It has a feeling of home. Also, my sister graduated from here last year. She was constantly talking about how much she loves the communication department because of the welcoming environment it has. I changed my major to communication and media so, now, everyday I get to experience this atmosphere.

Morgan: Both the size of the campus and the open land. One of the most memorable things I took away from my visit was its beauty. I wanted to go to school that was aesthetically pleasing and didn’t feel industrial. I think it makes the campus feel comfortable.

When you were deciding between various colleges after acceptance, what was the final deciding factor that made you choose Naz?

Michaela: It’s only a 30 minute drive from my house, which I enjoy. When I was applying to schools I knew that I didn’t want to be far from home.

Morgan: It was actually a combination of a lot of things. I wanted to be far from home but not too far to the point I couldn’t go back home when I wanted. Naz is about three hours away from my hometown so it’s a favorable distance. Also, before I started college here I had heard countless positive responses about the programs Naz has.

Did you visit Naz before classes began? If so, what was something you learned from the visit that you didn’t know beforehand?

Michaela: My first visit to campus was during the summer. Then, because I wanted to get a more wholesome feel of what a typical college day is like, I revisited the campus a couple months later during the fall while classes were in session. I fell in love with Naz. I visited on an individual tour with my mom. While walking around, I got the feeling that this could be my home for a while, especially because everyone was so nice.

Morgan: I didn’t know how many beautiful places there were around campus before I experienced them for myself. Everywhere you turn there are flowers, paintings, and exquisite architecture. One thing I remember from my visit was walking through the tunnel outside of Smyth Hall. That walkway is like no other I’ve seen in New York.

As experienced Naz students, what do you think sets this college apart from other colleges?

Michaela: Because Naz is a smaller school, it’s easier for students to build strong connections with professors. It’s helpful to know I can go to a professor to talk about something other than classes and work. Last year, I talked to one of my professors about something personal I was going through and she really helped me through a situation.

Morgan: Like Michaela was saying, Naz has a comforting home feeling to it in a way that it’s inclusive. There are no cliques that I have seen in my four years here. There’s a sense of inspiration to join clubs and get involved on campus where you may not know anyone. It’s easy to get to know people and make friends here.

Overall, why did you choose Naz?

Michaela: This was one of the only schools which I was extremely eager to receive a letter from after I had applied. I checked my mailbox everyday. It’s also one of the only schools that I cried tears of joy over when I had received my acceptance letter. My friends told me that they got their letters in the mail so I thought mine could be at home waiting for me. I was already late to musical practice but I went home to check for it and when I discovered I was accepted I started to cry. I knew this was the right college for me when it was the only letter I cried over when I got accepted. If I could describe my decision to choose Naz in two words, they would be “warming community.”

Morgan: If I could describe my decision to choose Naz in two words they would be “home vibes.” At first, I was scared of going to a college with a small campus. I originally wanted to go to a school with a larger population because I thought this was an essential factor to getting the “college feel.” However, once I got here and now that I’m a senior, I realize I wouldn’t change a thing, especially not the size of this campus.