My NC Story | Perseverance

“After my first unsuccessful attempt at college, I wasn't planning on returning to school. But after a re-evaluation of my goals, some deep introspection, and a bit of research, I realized that I was missing the intellectual stimulation and easy community of a liberal arts school.

I wanted to go to a college that worked for me, a voracious and curious reader seeking a better way to do school. I decided to apply to the Shimer Great Books School at North Central College— a course structure based on reading, Socratic discussion and the exchange of ideas.

Now that I’m a student again, North Central College has helped me take part in opportunities beyond the classroom. Here, I am able to double major in French and Humanities, while also joining the Student Government Association, traveling to Morocco and finding community with my classmates. I’m even considering applying for graduate programs here.

Returning to college through the Shimer Great Books School at North Central was exactly the right decision for me. I’m glad I was able to recognize that it wasn’t me, but the system I was trying to fit myself into that was wrong. I found a program that works, that has rekindled my curiosity and hunger for books, and which will allow me to grow.”

Sophie Juhlin

French, Humanities