Student Profile
Benjamin
- Class: Senior
- Major: Engineering
- Gender: M
- High School: Century High School
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
Union is a wonderful place; it will help you grow as much as you let it. Some students here just learn a lot about their field because they resist growth. Simply by removing the resistance, I will soon present at my second and third research conferences and will be published as an undergraduate. I have learned a lot about research and leadership without really having to try. Some students miss out because they don't realize the opportunities that exist on this campus, but if you keep your eyes open, there is no limit to how much you can learn and grow.
Academic Life
Academics at Union are incredible. Our facilities are fantastic. For example, we have a scanning electron microscope that is only reserved for undergraduate use. At larger schools, this is unheard of. Professors take a personal interest in their students. I have never not had a professor know me by name. I see them casually outside of class frequently, as friends. Also, at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Union had one of the larger contingents, which was remarkable because it was one of the smallest schools represented. The level of work presented by the typical Union student was not achieved by most other presenters. Union students also have many opportunities to go abroad. This is even true for engineers! In fact, Union engineers are the only students who can go on any term abroad, because the exchange with the Czech Technical University is only open to engineering students.
Student Body
Union's student body is a little interesting. The typical Union student is from somewhere in the Northeast and is from a fairly wealthy family. For the most part, they understand that everyone is not as well off as they are, so the financial gradient doesn't really seem to be a problem. The bigger problem is cultural awareness. They do not realize that other parts of the country, such as the Pacific Northwest, my home, follow different social norms. This has caused problems for some. For the most part, this is not a big problem.
The Best Things
The professors, opportunities, Greek life, and the overall experience.
The Worst Things
There aren't enough people from outside of the Northeast.
