<p>k-My daughter started Spanish her freshman year at Willamette (she knew she wanted to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country). She did study abroad as a junior (fall semester) after taking it for 4 semesters.</p>
<p>We received a phone call last night from a lovely young woman, a student at Willamette. She called to chat with my daughter and answer any questions she might have about the school. My daughter was out, so I asked away. She was knowledgeable, warm, positive, and spent almost 45 minutes on the phone with me. This was her “job”, which you could tell she enjoys. She earns money to help with expenses, my daughter gets the message that Willamette cares about her, I get answers to my questions-everybody wins. </p>
<p>I am not expecting any calls like this from the UC’s or CSU’s.</p>
<p>Yes, Willamette has been one of the more friendlier schools. 
I guess that’s definitely a “hook”! I’ve really appreciated it, even if it just makes me feel wanted, ha.</p>
<p>And I really encourage people to ask as many questions possible, and get some questions already in the back of your mind to ask every school.</p>
<p>My D is a freshman at Willamette and cannot imagine being anywhere else. The rain has not bothered her much, which surprised me because we’re from the Midwest with its many sunny days (and some big thunderstorms). She loves her classes and profs, her new friends, her dorm, and being within two hours of the coast and the mountains. As for WU’s “hook” - she was attracted by the extraordinary friendliness of the students, faculty, and administrators and by WU’s well-deserved reputation for going “green.” She does say that, while Salem has the necessary amenities, it does not offer much excitement. Luckily, there is lots happening on campus (which also has a law school, ed school, and business school so is true university) and in Portland, which is only 45 minutes away by car, bus, or Amtrak (the train station is within walking distance of her dorm).</p>
<p>Like many parents posting here, four years ago my son (and his paying parents) had the dilemma of choosing a UC (Davis or Santa Barbara) or Willamette. Since he had friends going to the UC schools, he was leaning that way. It certainly would have been cheaper for me had he gone to a UC, but I asked him, “In your heart of hearts, where do you think you would be happiest?”</p>
<p>After dwelling on that question, he chose Willamette.</p>
<p>In May he will be graduating, and he is absolutely dreading it. His four years at Willamette have been the happiest of his life and he wishes he didn’t have to leave. He entered the school a diffident introvert and graduates a confident extrovert.</p>
<p>It was worth the extra money.</p>
<p>Worthyscribe,</p>
<p>Your son is not the only one. Yesterday at the Dean’s Reception in San Francisco, alum after alum stood up and praised Willamette, the education received, and the opportunities and experiences Willamette provided. It was quite an endorsement.</p>
<p>Am currently up visiting D who is a member of this May’s graduating class. I can’t believe how wonderful the experience of going to Willamette has been for her. Did a pre graduation visit so we could meet some friends. Many live rather locally so will be around after graduation and she isn’t ready to return “home” yet either. Have done several area day trips and we are ready to move up ourselves!</p>