UND defies expectations of a large public university, according to staff writer Mary Ochs. Photo via Flickr. 

When I was a junior in high school and deciding which college I wanted to attend, several people warned me against going to a big public college. They told me I would not find any support if I needed it.

I was told public schools don’t support the students; they simply don’t care.

I disregarded these comments because I knew UND was the college for me. My instincts were right, and I couldn’t be happier.

I have received endless support from all of the faculty and staff here and could not feel better.

There have been several departments on campus that have helped me throughout my time here. Last year as a freshman, I was able to utilize the Student Success Center and the people in the housing office. Both of them solved my conflicts with efficiency. This year, I have needed the assistance of campus police and the dean’s office, and I’ve yet to experience anything other than supportive and prompt help.

Last year, I went to the success center for tutoring help. While I was getting the help I needed, I was not satisfied with the tutor. He was despondent, unhelpful and — quite frankly — rude. I later voiced my displeasure about this experience in The Dakota Student.

Shortly after, I was contacted by the center staff in regards to it. They were concerned about my discontentment and wanted to resolve the issue. I was extremely impressed and surprised they had such concern, because I still had the mindset that a public college would never fully support students.

I met with faculty from the success center, and they discussed my concerns with me. It was refreshing to experience such concern. Toward the end of the year, I also needed the assistance of the housing office. The friends I was supposed to live off-campus with ended up transferring, and I was stuck. The deadline to apply to live on-campus had passed, and I was unsure of what to do. I contacted campus housing staff and they assured me it would all be OK. I went in, and they sorted it out for me in a matter of minutes. Again, I was impressed by their support.

As this year rolled around, I found myself needing further assistance from the university. One of the articles I wrote for The Dakota Student received some questionable feedback that led me to seek the advice and support of campus police. The officer I spoke with was nothing but courteous and kind. It reassured me I was safe on campus.

Recently, I also sought the advice of the dean’s office. I wasn’t sure if they would be able to help my situation — I wanted help getting out of jury duty. I met with them and was blown away by how kind and friendly they were, too. They understood my situation and did everything they could to help me out. I walked away satisfied and proud of the university I attend. How many people are able to say something like that on a regular basis?

Even with friends and organizations on campus, I have had many positive experiences. In fewer than two years here on campus I have managed to find friends for life. I go to class and many of the professors know my name. In a lecture room of 150 students or more, that’s a pretty big deal.

Words can’t describe how happy I am that I chose UND to fulfill the rest of my academic years.

Coming from a small private school, I was not sure what to expect from a large public university. I simply believed what others told me about the downfalls of public universities.

Now when I talk about school when I go home for breaks, people are impressed by my enjoyment.

I’m so glad I followed my heart here to UND, and I couldn’t be happier that I was able to prove those people wrong.

Mary Ochs is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at mary.ochs@my.und.edu.