The college student
By Mikalee Dahle, Outpost contributor
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Yes, some actually want to live here |
"There were other schools that I was considering after I graduated from high school," she says. "I was interested in a private school in Orlando, and there was one in Miami as well. I was looking for a school that had a nice blend of academics and athletics."
Though Sutton's case is not considered the norm at UNR, she is among a growing population of students from out of state. Largely considered a "locals' school," nearly 60 percent of the school's enrollment comes from Washoe County and Carson City. Another 10 percent migrate from California. And 6 percent of the students at UNR are from other states.
"Out-of-state students come from 48 states as well as the territories of Guam and Puerto Rico," said Pat Miltenberger, UNR's vice president for Student Services. And Kelle Sutton is doing her part to represent the great state of Texas.
After graduating, Sutton called the tennis coach at UNR and requested information on the school. She was considering either a major or a minor in journalism, so she found herself paying close attention to the schools' journalism programs.
"That was really the deciding factor for me. The private schools had a lot of money, but they weren't as friendly. When I called the Reynolds School of Journalism at UNR, I spoke with Ethel Kirk, and she was so sweet. I felt that this school was much more personal -- that I wouldn't be overwhelmed by a lot of students, and that I would have an opportunity for somewhat personalized instruction."
With this in mind, she also gave considerable attention to the climate and appearance of the region.
"My father and I pulled out an atlas when I first began to think about Reno," she says. "We found a scenic route through the city, so I decided that it must be pretty."
She also remembers thinking that mountains and cooler temperatures sounded like impressive characteristics of the region. "I'm from central Texas, where we mostly have rolling plains. I was anxious to live around the mountains, and I was anxious to experience the cooler temperatures."
So, Sutton chose the mountains and the snow of Reno over the balmy temperatures of Florida.
Once here, she remembers that many aspects of Reno surprised her. "Actually, I was floored," she laughs. "I couldn't believe how bright it was at night. I couldn't believe that there was always something to do, 24 hours a day. Even if I didn't want to gamble, there were so many things to experience."
She admits that some aspects of the city were hard to get used to, citing crime and the appearance of the casinos as examples. But she is quick to point out that being a small-town native is what made the transition somewhat difficult. And, she adds, the good definitely seems to outweigh the bad.
"I love the location of this school. I love the fact that we are so close to Lake Tahoe, to Sacramento, to San Francisco. Coming to school here also means that I get to explore this region, a region with which I am very unfamiliar."
In only her first semester of study, Sutton says she is satisfied with her experience at the university--especially with the journalism school. She says one of the strengths of the school is the diversity of programs and classes offered and she constantly feels challenged.
But her studies aren't the only things occupying her time. Sutton is a member of the university's tennis team. "It is so challenging. The practices and the competitions are so much tougher than I'm used to. Even though we've only been together for a short time, the team is already becoming very cohesive. The coaching is excellent, and I find myself much more motivated than I was in high school."
While Sutton likes Reno, she doesn't see herself staying here past graduation. The reason -- family.
"I'm very close to my family. I see myself, when I get closer to graduation, wanting to be closer to them again. However, if my family were here, I wouldn't hesitate to stay. I truly love it here."
More than anything else, she says she loves the campus. "UNR is one of those schools where there is always something to do. Even when I'm not studying or playing tennis, I can find fun and interesting things to occupy my time. I think the scenery on campus -- Manzanita Lake, the newer buildings--is beautiful. And I love the friendly atmosphere...I always feel like I belong."
copyright 11/15/97 Nevada Outpost
http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost
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