<p>I recently sat down to talk about my college choices with my parents and they seemed concerned about Sewanee, my first choice... They are skeptical about the location of rural Tennessee and the stereotypes which go along with it - overly conservative, homogenous, white and closed off from the wider world. The prominence of greek life was also a downside. I tried to convince them that it wasn't as 'bad' as they thought but no luck. I think the main thing is that they think I'd have a culture shock seeing as I've grown up in an extremely international and quite liberal community. However, Sewanee literally has everything I want in a school.</p>
<p>Could anyone give me some insight as to how Sewanee really is like and help me convince them? :( I'd feel devastated to take it off my list!</p>
<p>As an international student at Sewanee, let me be the first to reassure you that applying to Sewanee was the best decision I ever made. I’m a senior here, and haven’t regretted my decision to come here ever. Before I got here, I did think that the people here would fit the stereotypes you mention. However, Sewanee is a lot more liberal than I ever expected, and has a large and increasing number of diverse students. As to being closed off from the wider world, Sewanee has so much to offer its students that you will never feel isolated. There are a couple of cities and towns within a short driving distance, but from my experience, you will rarely feel the need to leave because you’ll be so busy experiencing all that Sewanee had to offer.
Greek life at Sewanee is actually one of my favourite things here. I’m not in a sorority, but the fact that all fraternities and sororities are so welcoming and open mean that that has never been a hindrance to me. Most events are open, and we don’t have typical Greek rivalry like many bigger schools. People here are not just defined by what Greek organisation they belong to; that is just a part of what they do.
I would encourage you to reach out to the admissions office here; they can put you in touch with some students if you wish, or you can actually come visit campus and see what it’s really like for yourself. Your instincts are telling you that Sewanee is a great place to be; and I’m convinced that they’re correct.
Best of luck!</p>