Lawrence Was Too Perfect.
The first time we visited Lawrence University, smack dab in the middle of the pandemic, Shane had a personal interview with an admissions rep. In spite of the barren campus, he was smiling so wide under his mask that it showed in his eyes.
Our tour guide was … interesting. With kind eyes and an almost palpable awkwardness, she was nearly bald, having shaved her head weeks earlier. Students were scarce, so we learned about the music conservatory, the science building, and academia.
At the end of the tour, Shane said, “I like it here.” For Shane, that’s a powerful emotional statement.
So we went back to visit Lawrence when the pandemic had waned. Our second visit offered a more traditional guide, and the campus was alive with busy students. Our guide seemed to know every one of them. The guide somehow hadn’t gotten a key card, so she asked students to help her get into buildings as we walked. She never skipped a beat, and her friends never blinked before helping.
By the end of that open house, Shane loved Lawrence. Everything was on-target with what Shane wanted. Students and professors seemed genuine and solid. They had answers – good answers – for every question. They described an academic experience fueled by its unique, close-knit community.
Lawrence was intuitive. Once I told Shane: “I wish I knew how many students came from other states, other than Wisconsin and Illinois.” Ten minutes later, I found a printed map on a table, detailing exactly how many students came from each of the states; I didn’t even need to ask. Best of all, the student population hailed from everywhere.
There were no mistakes, no issues, no challenges during the open house. And when we left, we were both a little sorry to go.
Shane did a number of informative, helpful Zoom sessions with Lawrence while waiting for his acceptance – which arrived with a hefty scholarship. There were phone sessions for students and parents – also helpful. Every time we did anything with Lawrence, it was good. No red flags.
Shane was concerned, at one point, that Lawrence was too perfect. So he asked the Zoom students, “What do you like least about Lawrence?” The students really considered this. Finally one said, “There’s not enough merch.” Other than the cold weather, they couldn’t think of anything else.
While Shane never wavered in his affection for Lawrence, the pièces de résistance was an email I received from the Director of Financial Aid, reassuring me that he understood what I was feeling. He had two kids in college and truly understood. It was brilliantly written and brought me to tears.
When we went back for the Lawrence University Experience – reserved for admitted students and their families – Lawrence had been Shane’s top choice for months. Before the event, Shane met with a student who showed him around for hours. Then, from Sunday through late Monday, Lawrence offered an opportunity for parents to choose their sessions while students attended classes and explored campus with their peers. The “experience” was – like everything else Lawrence did – nearly flawless. (We had some technical issues with one projector, so it wasn’t perfect.)
By the time we left, Shane felt like he belonged there. He’d spent hours and hours with “his people.” Lawrence offered him the perfect combination of intellectual enthusiasm and social inclusion. Still, he took several days to think it through, to decide if Lawrence was the right place for him. After seeing nearly a hundred colleges, he wanted to be sure.
By College Decision Day, Shane was sure. He will attend Lawrence University.