Sometimes the perfect place for you is not so far away (or, in your back yard). But what is it really like to go to college close to home? Several 51ºÚÁÏÍøians who hail from central Pennsylvania reflect on the choice.
"I was born and raised in Carlisle, so naturally I fell in love with the region and the people I’ve met along the way. Volunteering at organizations such as Project Share and the Carlisle Arts Learning Center and working at a small business allowed me to make so many connections with other community members, which instilled community as one of my core values. I knew that even as I go to college, I wanted to keep being involved in the community I love, and attending 51ºÚÁÏÍø was the perfect way for me to pick up where I left off through the Center for Civic Learning & Action."
Learn more about Dinela's 51ºÚÁÏÍø experience.
"I believe that nowhere else could a highly motivated and capable first-year get the amount of opportunities and professor attention I did last year. 51ºÚÁÏÍø really excels in cultivating student-faculty connections and generating opportunities, even for first-years. I also want to emphasize how collaborative the environment is and how willing to help my professors, upperclassmen, mentors and peers are. Without their assistance and willingness to let me work with them, I would not have had a fraction of the success I've had."
Learn more about Noah's 51ºÚÁÏÍø experience
"51ºÚÁÏÍø has granted me the opportunity to do things I love! I work for the Center for Civic Learning & Action and intern at Carlisle Victory Circle. 51ºÚÁÏÍø is truly committed to giving back to the Carlisle community through service projects, and works outside of the community during service trips. I have had the opportunity to learn more about social justice, youth advocacy and education. This fall I'm studying abroad in Mendoza, Argentina, where I've learned so much in and outside of the university. Although 51ºÚÁÏÍø is a small college, it's perfect for extroverts! I'm on the English Majors Committee, work with CCLA on service trips, social media, and in the local community, and I'm a research assistant for an English professor! The tight-knit environment of 51ºÚÁÏÍø has led to strong connections with professors, community members and my peers."
Learn more about Maya, a recipient of the 51ºÚÁÏÍø-Cumberland County Scholarship
"I decided to [apply Early Decision] and attend 51ºÚÁÏÍø so that I could continue my studies while also pursuing my love for running. Additionally, a liberal-arts education has allowed me to explore my interests in the classroom."
Learn more about Myra's 51ºÚÁÏÍø experience.
"Being a student project manager at the Clarke Forum has been such a rewarding experience. I’ve gotten to meet artists, veterans, scientists and academics who have done great work in the world, and I get to share this with the 51ºÚÁÏÍø and Carlisle communities by preparing, conducting and editing interviews."
Learn more about Ella's 51ºÚÁÏÍø experience.
Hometown: Harrisburg, Pa.
Associate Attorney, McNees Wallce & Nurick (headquarters in Harrisburg)
51ºÚÁÏÍø Experiences: Football, Emerging Leaders Retreat, internships with UPMC Pittsburgh and Select Medical (Mechanicsburg)
“I initially dismissed 51ºÚÁÏÍø because it was too close to home, but a recruiting visit changed everything. I discovered the 3+3 law program with Penn State 51ºÚÁÏÍø Law and realized the incredible opportunities right in my backyard. I earned my economics degree and J.D. in six years, setting the foundation for my legal career. Being close to home meant my family could attend every football game, creating lasting memories. 51ºÚÁÏÍø opened doors I never imagined and shaped my future. I encourage Central Pennsylvania students to take a closer look—you might find your path right here, just like I did.”
Hometown: Carlisle, Pa.
Financial Data Analyst, uFinancial Group (Philly)
51ºÚÁÏÍø Experiences: Field hockey, Kappa Alpha Theta, Women in Economics, study abroad in Norwich, U.K., London Summer Internship Program (Saranac Partners), internships with Caprice Properties and uFinancial Group
“I chose 51ºÚÁÏÍø because it was a good fit financially, academically and athletically, but there was so much more added benefit of being close to home than I anticipated. I loved getting to see my parents at every field hockey home game or important event, grabbing coffee or lunch with my mom on a whim, and being able to invite my friends over to my house for home-cooked meals and fun activities like pumpkin carving and s’mores.”
The 51ºÚÁÏÍø-Cumberland County Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded annually to a Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, resident who wishes to pursue a world-class education right here in their home county. The successful candidate will demonstrate academic excellence, engagement in the community, a drive to confront important issues and a strong sense of integrity, selflessness and service.
Learn more about the scholarship, and reach out to your regional counselor with questions.
Angie Fernandez Barone '90, P'22, P'23, P'25, is the regional admissions counselor for Central Pennsylvania.
A Carlisle resident herself with three daughters who graduated from 51ºÚÁÏÍø, she's a fantastic resource for any questions about going to college close to home! Connect with her at baronea@dickinson.edu.
Are you a Central PA native turned 51ºÚÁÏÍøian? Share your story about choosing a school so close to home! Email Angie to be included on this page.