Nick Vernon, Campus Carrier Online Editor & Graphics Editor
A former Yale professor of 20 years, William Deresiewicz, addressed the unique type of education a small liberal arts college can provide young minds in his 2014 book, “Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life.” Deresiewicz argues that while the Ivy League schools produce well-educated and driven professionals, most of them lose their souls along the way. Deresiewicz refers to these individuals as “excellent sheep” because they can climb whatever ladder you put in front of them, jumping through hoops along the way to a high-paying job.
Deresiewicz included a quote about a student’s experience at our school. The student describes Berry as odd and spottily brilliant, chock-full of professors who are both intellectual and human, with students who actually care about ideas. This passage resonated with me because I have always viewed my education as an exploration of ideas rather than a route to superficial success. At Berry, I learned to think differently and be an individual.
I will be moving out of the “Berry Bubble” shortly after graduation, and while I am extremely excited to begin living in Atlanta, I am also sad to say goodbye to Rome. I lived on Berry’s beautiful campus for my first three years. Driving around campus this past year, I took in the beauty of campus retrospectively as I had never done before.
I currently live with four roommates in an old house “between the rivers” in historic Rome. We are a block from downtown Broad Street, and I have come to understand the community of Rome. The people in Rome are friendlier than those in Atlanta. The restaurants, bars and shops are more accessible and welcoming. The rush hour traffic is almost non-existent, and a good spot to watch the sunset is easy to find. These are the things I will miss about Rome, the things I hope current Berry students allow themselves to experience.
I found it easy as an underclassman at Berry to question the college and the greater Rome area. I often thought poorly of Berry and believed that other schools were better. However, in the past couple of years, I have grown to realize just how special Berry is. Looking back, I can proudly say that Berry provided me with the guidance, resources and knowledge I needed to be a soon-to-be successful graduate. I will never forget my professors at Berry who truly cared about me and who reached out to me when I didn’t. I have created so many memories over the years with the wonderful people here in Northwest Georgia. While I am sure I will enjoy my new adventures living in Atlanta, I know I will miss all the things about our school that make it so special.
I know that especially with final exams approaching, not every student at Berry is feeling as warm and fuzzy about the school as I am right now. However, I think it is important for underclassmen to understand that Berry is quirky and odd, but that is what makes it so special. That is what makes it a home away from home.
Berry is more than just a college. It is a community. As a graduating senior, I can proudly say that Berry has provided me with more than just a degree; it has provided me with a way of life.