Why Go To A Small College? The Community!

Ask a Benedictine College student what they’re majoring in and prepare to be impressed. Ravens regularly go above and beyond, not only in their academic performance, but also their chosen fields of study. In addition to students majoring in some of Benedictine’s fastest-growing majors like engineering and nursing, over 300 students major in multiple subjects.

That’s what Merryn Durant did. Durant is a Biology and Theology double-major, minoring in Chemistry.

“I chose to major in Biology it is really amazing to be able to look at the natural world around you and know the science behind the way it grows or interacts with its environment. I think studying biology has given me a greater appreciation for the world and the creatures that live in it.”

Durant was interested in Benedictine College because it had a biology program. She chose to attend Benedictine, hundreds of miles from her home in Colorado, because on her campus visit, a student personified the community that draws so many to the school.

“I was really amazed that a stranger offered to show me around campus and told me what professors to take. It was really different than when I visited some of my friends at state schools. This encounter really opened my eyes to the hospitality and kindness Benedictine had to offer.”

As a student, Durant has enjoyed the Benedictine College community, she has contributed to it. Durant is a member of the Raven Regiment, the Biology Club and the Student Government Association, where she serves as a senior class senator.

One thing Durant wasn’t counting on though, was adding Theology as her second major.

“I was not planning on studying Theology, but I had some room in my course load to take extra classes and continued to fill those spaces with Theology classes. I made my four-year course plan and found out I could major so I decided to. It is really interesting to learn about the faith in depth and my knowledge about it has increased so much.”

Durant’s experience in Theology is not unique. In addition to the students who come to Benedictine College to study Theology, numerous others come for other majors, then decide to add Theology. They fulfill the core requirement of three Theology classes, then want to keep going, says Dr. Mark Zia, of professor in the department.

Though making college plans is important, Durant urges high school students to avoid stress and approach the process with a receptive attitude.

“There’s a lot of beauty in having an open mind and seeing where the Lord leads you. I also would say that some of the best moments I had at Benedictine were unplanned and happened simply because I was in the right spot and said yes.”