Kathleen Miller
Contributor
Oddly enough, while on spring break from the University of Delaware, I decided to cut my vacation from classes, professors, and homework short and go back to school. I revisited my alma mater, McDaniel College.
Since my 2004 graduation, I completed my Masters degree and am currently a Ph.D. candidate in English. I credit McDaniel with much of this achievement?-the curriculum encouraged hard work; dedicated professors improved my critical skills; and the English department’s unfailing support guided me through the graduate school application ordeal. But perhaps most importantly, my experiences at McDaniel taught me the merits of being a member of a fine academic community and inspired me to pursue a career in academia.
My two day journey to the Hill was a very special experience. I was completely re-taken with the friendliness and beauty of the campus. My first stop, Lisa Breslin’s office, had been emptied of all its contents as an April Fool’s joke (kudos, tutors). As I watched her recount the story with humor and warmth, I recalled fondly the fun and excitement of my time tutoring in the Writing Center. I continued to see the same enthusiasm and good-nature across campus–from the helpful campus safety worker who helped me negotiate the new visitor parking lots, to pub workers (who still remembered me 5 years later!). I was reminded afresh of McDaniel’s sense of camaraderie and community.
Perhaps, though, my most significant legacy from McDaniel was its fine teaching and mentorship. As I sat in on two courses in the new (gorgeous) Academic Hall, I was struck with the inviting, engaging, and technologically savvy learning environment. I was impressed yet again with the high caliber of student, classroom energy, and gifted, innovative teachers. McDaniel taught me what to expect from a fine instructor and it continues to inspire my own teaching, as I strive to implement these same skills in my classroom.
My five year reunion from McDaniel College will occur in May 2009. Unfortunately, I will be at a conference that weekend and won’t be able to attend. But I’m content knowing I experienced my own reunion with many of my fondest McDaniel memories. As a future college professor, someday I hope to return to an institution like McDaniel College.
Editor’s Note: It is not uncommon for McDaniel alums to journey back to The Hill to visit professors and old friends. Return Visit is a column that allows these returning students to let the college community know how they are doing, what they are doing and what the college did for them.