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Williston was the best community I could've ever established an identity with. My parents teach at the school, so we actually had a house on the campus. I developed close relationships with not only students and alums, but the teachers and staff as well. The campus was small and located in a brilliant spot for developing a sense of diversity and culture.

I matured as a person at Williston by being exposed to real life events, situations and problems. I learned how to be a person and become ready to take on the real world as I move forth in my life. I feel ready to be successful in the music program at my university. I learned how to be responsible academically and throughout daily life situations. People at Williston were able to guide me along on my journey into becoming a better and more structured person.

I would have gotten myself involved in things I liked to do more quicker. I didn't start doing theater seriously until my Junior year; a big regret. I would say to not be scared to get involved in something your interested in. People will help you and encourage you to try your best!

I loved the small community; less than 400 students. It felt like I knew everybody and nobody would ever judge who I was or wanted to be. I felt able to be myself in this community. It was the most accepting place I've been to, thanks to the students and faculty. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't gone to Williston.

Don't be discouraged at your first start in a new place, its always hard at first. Find something you love to do. Meet new people. Make new connections.

I enjoyed the small classroom size. It was easy to develop a connection with a teacher. I was able to gain confidence to express my thoughts in the classroom with the encouragement from my teacher. The academics were challenging, but were achievable by setting goals and knowing I could go the distance the school was requiring me to go. As a freshman, I struggled academically, but as I continued my career at Williston, my confidence in myself began to build. Eventually, I had made it to high honor roll my first trimester of senior year.

Though I usually was not a part of the athletic program here, it was a big part of the school. The whole campus would show to the Varsity games dazzled up in their best Williston gear. My sister's career at Williston was mainly based around athletics; she continues to be proud of that association.

I was very involved in the arts at this school. The director of theater was absolutely incredible. I learned so much about myself from her teachings of mindfulness in not only your character in the theater, but of yourself as well. I developed a very special bong with her, and my music director. He is my inspiration for continuing my studies in music. I was able to build a confidence in myself I couldn't find from other conductors of mine. I knew I was able to take on the challenges the music department at universities would have for me.

I was a student leader amongst my peers, overseeing what the community is up to day to day! I love being in tune with my school and knowing how I can help people around me. I was inspired to be a better person by the faculty at Williston by them setting fabulous example. It made me want to get involved with my community by volunteering to offer time to helping others!

Though I didn't live the dorms, I lived enough on campus to see what dorm life was like. I had many friends who had lived in the dorms. They were nicely sized rooms and clean bathrooms with many stalls and showers. I enjoyed the dorm residence student life that would assist the dorm inhabitants around the hall. They were always helpful and insightful. I loved all of the dorm parents, they were personable and friendly; very approachable!

We had many options in our dining hall. We had foods for all sorts of diets. There was always a vegetarian and vegan option for students. We had milk substitutes and other foods for special allergies. The staff was nice and friendly. The dining hall always had what I was looking for; pizza, pasta, sandwiches, cookies, stir-fry, root beer floats, french fries, burgers, etc. Our taste buds were always satisfied!

Northampton is my favorite city in the state by far. It is the most accepting community I have ever been to. The restaurants are amazing, the people are nice, and the shopping is dense! Easthampton has many cute little eating places, like cafes and diners! I personally remember everyone going to local cafes for some coffee, since they were in walking distance of campus! It was a go to for everybody.

Everyone was social with everyone. You knew everyone! That's how small the school was. The community was small, but dense in diversity. I was able to grow immensely by being exposed to many different types of people, but all having one thing in common; a desire for understanding of one another.