Alex Kroner: Guilford cares and that made all the difference
Riley Kroner's original plans for college didn't include Guilford. She had her sights set on a larger, state university. But a professor's interest in her and the people who surrounded her on Day 1 convinced her she made the right choice.
What made you choose Guilford? During my application process, I got an email from Guilford talking about scholarship opportunities and the fellowship programs. I saw the Business Fellows, and it seemed really interesting. So I hopped on a call with (Business Professor) Michael Dutch, and he was super awesome, telling me about Guilford. Afterward, Guilford just kept reaching out to me, kept communicating with me and acting like they wanted me here. I wasn’t getting that from any other college. Then I got into the Business Fellows. I'm so glad they kept pursuing me because this is the perfect place for me.
What has a class helped you discover about yourself? In my seminar with Michael for the Business Fellows, we have group presentations. I’m a big public speaker. I love presentations, but I hadn’t given one since March. So I was very rusty, and it was tough having to get back into it. It almost made me feel like maybe it’s not meant for me, even though I know it’s a passion. Being in the class has helped me find myself with public speaking and become comfortable again.
What do you wish you’d known about Guilford before arriving? How welcoming it really is. I’m glad I went somewhere smaller because of the one-on-one attention. Everybody I’ve met has been super supportive and welcoming. I wish I’d known just how much, because I think that would’ve helped when I got here and was feeling very nervous and anxious and so very homesick. But on my first day everyone from my RA to other students made me feel like I was home. That's what Guilford does best, I think. Folks make you feel like family from the first day. It opened my eyes. I was like, “Wow, so this place, this is home.”
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