Blog: Los Angeles Native Olsen ’14 Finds Holy Cross Offers a Bit of Everything

NAME Kyle Olsen ’14 HOMETOWN Los Angeles, California

AREAS OF STUDY Political Science major with Peace & Conflict Studies concentration

WHY HE CHOSE HOLY CROSS “Ever since I was little, my image of a ‘dream college’ went something like this: ivy-covered brick buildings, a (or multiple) sports team(s) to cheer on, old libraries, a beautiful campus and, of course, snow! Holy Cross seemed to embody this dream description. But I ultimately chose Holy Cross for multiple reasons — its undergraduate focus (no TAs or graduate students!), small size (wait, you mean I get to be a big fish in a small pond?!), academic freedom, Jesuit ideals, generous financial aid, friendliness (everyone says hello and opens the door for others), and family-like vibe on campus, which lasts beyond graduation (just ask an alum). Holy Cross’ Washington Semester Program will also allow me to fulfill my dream of obtaining an internship with a government organization before graduation.”

ACTIVITIES “I am a proud member of Student Programs for Urban Development, an on-campus community service organization through which I visit a senior citizen center on a weekly basis. I am also a member of a college political group, an active participant of the Outdoors Club, and an Admissions greeter for the college (come visit me on Fridays in the admissions office!).”

WHAT HE’S MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO “I am excited to meet new people, enjoy my new sense of independence and personal growth, take on the academic challenges at Holy Cross, explore this region of the country, and just enjoy the whole experience of being in college.”

WHY HE’S BLOGGING “As a Los Angeles native, I was unable to visit schools on the East Coast. I found myself depending on books, college pamphlets, academic websites and other sources to get a ‘feel’ for the colleges that I was applying to. With my own experience in mind, I recognize the importance of gaining an insight into a college through the experiences and vision of a current student, even if it is through a college blog. I also want to provide a vision of Holy Cross from a West Coast perspective. This is my first time in this region of the country, so we can explore the area and the college together through this blog. Lastly, prospective students – I’m blogging for YOU!

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Related Information:

• Check out our admissions and photo blogs, along with many of our other online journals at me.holycross.edu