Decidering, Part 26

I got another college decidering question in my inbox this week. People, I should so obviously have been a guidance counselor, which, interestingly enough, is EXACTLY THE JOB MY HUSBAND DOES. Sometimes I make him answer these questions for me and then I pretend like I came up with the thoughtful and deliberate answer.

The lovely Kacy emailed me with this decision to be made:

I have a couple more days to make a final decision, and I don't know what to do!! I've narrowed it down to Whittier College--which is located in the heart of Southern California between Los Angeles and Orange County--and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. My major is Journalism, and I want to minor in French as well. I think Cal Poly would be great for Journalism, I love the campus, and know a lot of people going there next year. As for Whittier, it's a small liberal arts college that has a community feel and empowers its students. I really love both, but need to choose one!

I actually did NOT ask my husband for help making this decision.

I was going to mention it to him, but then I realized I knew somebody even more capable than a guidance counselor. I have a friend who is a Journalism major at Cal Poly. Yes. I'm going straight to the source.

Kacy, meet Kayla.

I emailed Kayla the dilemma and she agreed to write a guest post on what you should do! Here is her very thoughtful--and not at all biased, I must say--advice:

First of all--I have never been to the Whittier College campus and don’t know much about the school or the Journalism department. I will begin, though, by saying that if you want to be a Journalism major it can only HELP you to be located in the “heart of Southern California” near Los Angeles. That area is full of news stories--from crime to big events to health to more events and when it comes to reporting for stories in your class, more story ideas at your fingertips will lead to more experience.

However, I am a Broadcast Journalism student at Cal Poly SLO and will be graduating in June. I chose Cal Poly, because both my father and brother had been interested in it and when I came to visit I absolutely fell in love with the town. The beach is close, the adorable downtown is a great place to hang out, Farmers' market is a blast, and the weather is wonderful.

To admit, when I accepted Cal Poly I knew nothing about their Journalism department and I can tell you it has been a slight struggle over the years. The studio and equipment wasn’t that great and it’s a small town so finding news stories is a whole different thing in itself. Of course, during my last quarter here, they just bought all new computers and are “starting” to upgrade equipment so everything is only going to get better.

At times I regretted coming here simply because Journalism isn’t one of Cal Poly’s exceptional majors, but when I look back I realize that if you are a hard worker, are determined to be a good journalist, are willing to put your foot out there and start on projects and internships early (I did my first internship at KSBY end of Sophmore year), you will definitely get a great education out of this place. I know I did--but I still believe if I would’ve chosen a school in a larger community (that ‘empowers its students’) I might have received an even better education and experience.

After all that, if this is the only thing you read, this is a very hard decision. Here’s the thing: if you want to be in print or be a producer I would choose Cal Poly. You are going to love it here, your friends are here, and the Mustang Daily will give you a ton of experience. But if you want to be a broadcast reporter or be in public relations, I would choose Whittier. One, it’s in a more fast-paced area which is better for your resume reel or portfolio and two, you’ll be around all new people for a new adventure.

Good Luck to you Kacy, keep us updated!

I decide: follow Kayla's advice.

And, if you are not sure what exactly you want to do after you earn your degree, join the club, sister. Join the club.

Comments

[Hope]

My sister and her fiancé both went to Whittier and they both rave about the school constantly. I have to admit, when I visited her there for her graduation, I was totally jealous. It seems like an awesome place.

[Michelle]

Whittier is my hometown! While I didn't attend that college, it's in the historic Uptown Whittier area and is freeway convenient. You in LA in 20 minutes - well, that's without traffic. Hope she chooses Whittier!