After working a myriad of odd jobs after graduating from high school: landscaping, groundskeeping, factory work, medical device assembly, at a warehouse, assembly line, and long hours of snow removal, Shiloh learned the value of money. Adding to the mix, he studied to be a barber in Mexico when he was 19. A fluent Spanish speaker, this was his second time studying in Mexico. The first time was during third grade, due to a family circumstance, forcing his family to move back to Mexico for nine months. Even though he can speak Spanish fluently, he never felt as though he fit in in Mexico, with his American accent always being pointed out by his classmates. He was even bullied in third grade for being different. Six years out of high school, he has decided to become a computer coder – it would provide a stable income, and computer coding is a booming industry.
Currently, Shiloh lives in a suburb close to Midwestern and is studying to increase his math proficiency. He spends most of his study time at the Math Center. When he is not on campus, he goes camping and canoeing with his friends. This experience of disconnecting from all of his devices and connecting with nature helps him to return feeling relaxed and recharged.
Shiloh appreciates spending time with his college writing professor, Professor Josephine Anwhistle. He feels as though she is open and transparent about her own life. She has told her students that if they are willing to ask the question, she is willing to answer it. He loves hearing her stories about both school and life and, along with a few other students, would often stay after class – they loved hearing her stories. He relates to her because Professor Anwhistle’s family sees her as “too educated” and he has experienced that in his own family, as well. They don’t really believe he should be going to college.
Importantly, Professor Anwhistle’s welcome invitation to come visit her at her office, near the classroom, second floor of College Services, anytime has helped him feel as though he belongs. He was able to hang out there four or five times during the semester and always felt welcomed by her. She has recommended that he even become a Writing Center tutor but is unsure if he would be able to do that.
Considering Shiloh came back to school to increase his math proficiency, he spends a lot of time each day, dropping – in between classes at the Math Center, second floor of College Services. Unlike the Tutoring Center, where he would have to make an appointment, he appreciates the flexibility of the Math Center. A student tutor or a math faculty member is always available to help him and the other five or six students who are there with him. It is an opportunity for him to get to know other math students, ones from his class and students from the other math classes, as well. Math faculty and staff have made the set up convenient – all he needs to do is set out the red cup and he will receive help. The staff there are able to specifically help with his math questions and feels as though he could ask anything and get help.
Ideally, Shiloh would have enjoyed doing group work at the tables outside, believing that because not all of the classrooms have windows, the open space of working outside would have helped with creativity. The unusually cold and icy spring was not conducive to working outside. He usually defaulted to working at the library, which he described as “eh.” Incidentally, a complete renovation of the library began right after the semester ended.
Many areas of the campus are still mysterious to Shiloh. While working on the photo prompts, and while looking for the gym/work out area, he ran into another student from class who was also looking for the area. Neither could find it and both agreed that because they each already have a couple of gym memberships, it is not an area they needed to find. It was pointed out on the tour, however, he could not remember where it was. Shiloh was also disappointed that the dining area never opened up during the past (2022-23) school year, even though it had been pointed out on the tour. He would like to have the option of being able to grab something to eat on campus, go there and be there.
Like his College Writing classroom, whenever Shiloh went to his Intro to Art class, on the second floor of the Art Wing, he knew he could go there and just be himself. Walking into the welcoming and open atmosphere, he knew it was a space where he could learn without worrying about failing. Enjoying the classroom environment, he appreciated how students were invited to stay in the classroom after class and work on homework.