G. Sarah DeCherney '09

Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Major: Psychology
Concentration: Women's Studies

I am a junior here at Guilford. I was first interested in Guilford because it was a Quaker school that was in the south. I was raised as a non-programmed Quaker so the religious aspect had a lot to do with why I came here. I also wanted to play women’s lacrosse in college and Guilford made that possible. As it is a Division III school, playing sports and managing other activities on campus was possible. The close relationships I have made with some of my teachers and faculty have helped me to my success.

The campus has a vibe that is friendly and supportive. I feel as though I can always find help or something to do while I have been here at Guilford. I have taken part in activities I never thought I would. I have met people form Africa and they taught me how to pay the drums. I have also learned how to be more accepting of other people. Guilford has a very diverse population but we all share the drive to be come more. Guilford is a place for education; I realized this concept coming in as a student, what I didn’t know is that I would learn so much even when I was not in a classroom. I have come to understand that I have things to teach as well.  After becoming a tour guide for Guilford after my first semester, I am now one of the coordinators.  Giving campus tours has given me an excitement for showing others what college has to offer.

Guilford is a good match for students who are looking for a small community of people who all have a passion for learning. Guilford has people of all types: artists, athletes, musicians, writers, technology lovers, scientists, but they all chose Guilford which means no matter how they label themselves, Guilford just sees them as people who want to grow and learn. I have grown a lot as a person in the past two and half years here at Guilford. I have realized that working with others is a goal of mine. Guilford has also helped me get in contact with many different groups and organizations to continue work with others after college. After graduation, I plan to take a year off and travel, but my long-term goal is to work in a high school and be a guidance counselor. I want teenagers to have an adult the can trust.  Guilford has encouraged and helped me to do volunteer work at local high schools, which has made it clear to me that I truly do want to do this with my life.

All in all, Guilford as provided me with a community to grow in and I would suggest that any student who is looking for a small community and supportive staff and faculty should look into Guilford as a place of higher learning.