Beth Wallace '13
Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
Major: English with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Spanish
What activities are you involved in?
Student Alumni Association, Coe Cosmos, Writing Center, Work Study, and Physics Club
Why did you decide to attend Coe?
I really wanted a smaller school. A lot of my friends chose to go to large universities with class sizes of around 500 where their professor has no idea who they are. Here at Coe I'm in small classes and getting individual attention from all of my professors. I really feel like I'm getting the best education possible. I also wanted a school with a close community and a lot of fun things to do, and that's Coe! There's always something to do and I always feel at home.
What does Coe mean to you?
I love Coe! I've already made so many great friendships; I love our close-knit community here, and I also love my classes.
What is it like living in Cedar Rapids?
It's great living in Cedar Rapids! There are plenty of different restaurants and stores to go to and many are within walking distance, which is great. There are also tons of things to do on the weekend, like theater events, art festivals, movies, laser tag, bowling, etc.!
Have you had any internship, research or study abroad experiences?
Not yet, but I plan on studying abroad in Spain or participating in one of the amazing May terms offered here.
Why should a prospective student choose Coe?
A prospective student should choose Coe because they will be applying to a school that balances fun social activities with great academics. All of the professors here actually care about you and most will know you by name by the end of your four years here. Coe's financial aid is also incredible!
How has Coe changed your life?
I've met so many amazing people and I've been able to explore so many new interests that I never even knew I had.
What is your favorite class and why?
My favorite class is Age of Chaucer. The professor, Drexler, is terrific; he makes every class entertaining despite the fact that we are reading mildly incomprehensible Middle English poems. Who knew it could be so fun?
How was your transition from high school to Coe?
It was incredibly easy. Coe does an excellent job of making the transition go as smoothly as possible by placing everyone in a CAP group, which is a group of about 15 students led by an upperclassman. New students complete most orientation week activities with their CAP group, making it really easy to make friends and making the transition from high school less scary.
What do you remember most from your First Year?
Competing in the first year variety show! Planning it with my CAP group and performing it in Dows was so much fun. And of course you can't forget Dragonboat races.
What do you do for a campus job?
I work at Polk Elementary School, which is just a block or two away. I'm an aid in a third grade classroom, so I help the kids with reading and math.
What is your Sunday habit?
I love sleeping in and then going to brunch at the U! They are always making something delicious in the cook-to-order line, and there are also usually waffles. It's a great beginning to a day filled with homework.
How was Coe in terms of scholarship support?
I can't say enough good things about Coe's scholarship support. One of the things I was really worried about in applying to college was cost, and Coe has gone above and beyond to make sure that I'm able to afford an education here. They are very generous in their aid and are willing to do everything possible to ensure that you can keep it.
