Home is the place where one feels at peace, surrounded by people they love, even if it is just finding an appreciation for the little things. New England, specifically the small constitution state, better known as Connecticut, is where I call home, where all of my needs are met. I love New England and have always had a plan to stay in the area. I have traveled all over the United States, but New England will always be a superior and special place to me. I loved growing up with easy access to the beach while being close to the mountains and not far from major cities like New York City or Boston, which is unusual for most people.
During the intense college decision-making process, I knew right from the start of the process that I wanted to be far from home, but not so far that it would be challenging to come home to visit family and friends. I researched colleges in New England that would be a great fit for me, considering the location of the school. The goal was to ensure that traveling to and from school in a day could be made possible if needed. The drive from Connecticut to Keene State seemed utterly intimidating at first glance, as I would need to travel through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and then New Hampshire. Yet, the drive is only two hours from home, which is exactly what I was looking for to fulfill the desire to be far but not too far.
Upon coming to Keene State, I had my career path drawn out for myself without intent to change it. All my life, I have heard that it is normal for career paths to change. However, when I was just a kid, I used to line up all my stuffed animals around my room and teach them and read to them as if I were teaching a classroom full of students. At this exact point, I knew that I wanted to become a teacher and major in elementary education. I have since changed my career path during my sophomore year of college; however, Keene State has a fantastic education program, which is why, upon researching colleges, I was immediately drawn here. During tours and other events on campus before committing to Keene State, I was able to meet with directors and professors within the education department at Keene State and developed a love for it. The educators I met within the education department were extremely knowledgeable and personable, which is exactly what I was looking for.
Likewise, I chose Keene State because I wanted to meet new people and have new experiences. Life is too short to live it simply, and I wanted to put myself out there in another light and move away from home. I have lived in the same town in Connecticut throughout my entire life. I was not too familiar with the Monadnock Region other than the one time I climbed Mount Monadnock as a kid. Besides that, I had not been to Keene, and when I was choosing colleges and actually visited Keene, I enjoyed everything I saw.
Furthermore, I was hooked on Keene State because the college is not very big like the University of New Hampshire or the University of Connecticut. In my hometown, there are nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school for its 43,501 residents. My graduating high school class had well over five hundred students. I knew that I wanted to be at a small college because I wanted to feel seen and heard in class. I find myself enjoying being a part of a class that has around 20-30 people, which is mostly what Keene State offers. I was not interested in attending a university where it is so large in class size that your professors do not even know who you are, what your name is or what your story is. I have always found it essential to have a personalized education that stems from building positive rapport with professors and teachers because it only makes me and other students alike succeed by doing so among other factors. Growing up, I was and still continue to be eager to learn, and I have always liked to participate in class and ensure that I have a good relationship with my teachers.
Another imperative reason for my decision to choose Keene State was the diverse activities and leadership opportunities. I have always valued the importance of being involved in your school and campus communities. In a smaller campus environment, it can be easier to take on leadership roles, which will provide me and all other involved students with valuable experience that is beneficial for future careers and pathways. During my freshman year, I remember being very excited for the involvement fair held at the very beginning of the semester. This is a perfect opportunity for incoming freshmen and other students to learn about the clubs and opportunities on campus. Since coming to Keene State, I have become a CA, and joined several clubs, even becoming president of the Owl Nation club. Similarly, I have played in intramural sporting games and have written stories for the Keene State Equinox.
All in all, during my two-and-a-half years at Keene State, I have fallen in love with this school. I am beyond grateful to have gained the education, experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime. Being a Keene State student means much more to me than going to classes and handing in homework on time. To me, it means being proud of your campus community and being involved in all ways possible. Keene State has provided me with some of the very best people I have ever met, contributing to my positive experiences here. Life is everything you make of it, and I am so glad that Keene State has been such a significant and positive part of my life.
Ali Barretta can be contacted at
