Journalism 1 Series Article #3 ::Newcomers Alyssa Bailey::

Newcomers: Alyssa Bailey

“Stepping it up” 

By Steven Fletcher

Eight thousand students enroll in the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, accompanied by 368 faculty. For Alyssa Bailey, a sophomore communication arts major from Dartmouth, MA, the numbers don’t matter. She transferred from U-Mass Dartmouth and joined Gordon College’s class of 2012. Enrolling in a college one-sixth the size. Why Gordon? 

“ A smaller school definitely creates a more intimate community of people who can really get to know each other,” said Bailey. “as opposed to a larger school where, as an individual, I felt much more anonymous.” Large classes are the norm for universities like U-Mass Dartmouth, with its twenty-two to one student to faculty ratio. Bailey felt that faculty didn’t care if students participated or went to class, and described the whole of U-Mass Dartmouth as “off-standish,” with “cold walls, no life, and no fun.”

“Gordon has a small, meaningful community,” said Bailey “The classes are small, most teachers learn your name and the teachers are passionate.” She characterized Gordon students as, bright and hopeful, not a single one of them “off-standish.” The friendliness of her fellow students drew a stark contrast between her two schools.  At Gordon, Bailey found a strong community and a challenging academic environment. 

“I had three jobs, hardly did any homework, and maintained a 3.8 GPA at UMD,” said Bailey “I have yet to figure out what my GPA is here, but it’s just that people are much more dedicated to going to class, and caring.” She described herself as diligent and energetic, ready for the challenge of Gordon’s academic program. At Gordon, Bailey involved herself in the women’s choir, and plans to join the dance team. 

“It’s put my life slowly in perspective,” said Bailey about her time at Gordon, “in leaning who you want to be and how you want to live your life, like what purpose you serve.” She felt that time at Gordon shaped her, rather than her academic record. 

At UMD, you’re trying to get ahead for yourself,” Said Bailey. “At Gordon, you’re trying to figure out who you are, it’s not about how ahead you are of everyone else. It’s about discovering who you are as a person and what you want to do with your life.”