Chapter 14: ”Berea Busy”

Berea College is a college known for its high expectations of students both inside and outside of the classroom. My name is Breyden Stanton, and I am currently a junior at Berea College. When choosing Berea, I felt prepared for what was expected of me. I am the eldest child of a family of six, and because of that, I am more of a third parent than sister. Having taken on the mother-like role within my family, I have had to grow up much faster than my peers, dealing with many responsibilities. I graduated high school with a 4.10 GPA while participating in clubs and organizations, working a parttime job, and taking care of my siblings. I accomplished a lot in high school. I was a part of the varsity choir as well as multiple clubs and organizations such as Future Farmers of America (FFA), Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), National Honors Society (NHS), student government, student ambassadors, French club, military club, etc. I also frequently volunteered within my community. I volunteered at local elementary schools, food banks, and hospitals. I have always enjoyed staying busy, and I believe I thrive in stressful atmospheres. Because of this, I felt Berea College was the right college for me. When I first became aware of Berea college, I wanted to attend because of the tuition scholarship. However, after researching more about the college, I wanted to attend because of the active academics, diversity, and community Berea College offers. I resonated with Berea College’s values, such as the power of love over hate and human dignity and equality. I also resonated with the term ”Berea busy,” a term associated which Berea College students. At Berea College, students are constantly busy with academics, labor, organizations, social lives, etcetera.