Written by Siya Patel
Emma Wilkinson will be attending Coastal Carolina University this fall, while Maddie Dillon has committed to Clark University for softball this college season.
Clark was the first school that Dillon physically toured. Prior to touring, Dillon really liked its political science program and had heard positive comments about it. During her tour at Clark, she became convinced that it was the right fit for her.
“The softball coach emphasized that she put academics over athletics, and I could tell that she cared a lot about her athletes. I just really liked that she really cared about our education and wellbeing,” said Dillon.
Wilkinson, who will be majoring in business management, was drawn to the business program at Coastal. “They have a program which is a 4 +1 so you basically take regular classes for four years and do another year and get your masters,” she said.
Wilkinson added that she quite liked their approach to learning as well. “You’re always doing something hands on because I’m a visual learner and sitting in a lecture hall for hours would do nothing for me.”
Wilkinson, who has played volleyball throughout her whole high school career, was interested in the volleyball team at Coastal. “They have a competitive club team. Normally club teams are really chill but this one is at a competitive level. That really attracted me.”
For Dillon, who was coming from a small school in the suburbs like RHHS, she was looking to pursue college in a similar environment.
“Clark’s campus itself is small so you can make personal relationships with your peers and teachers, because coming from a small town, I think that’s nice,” explained Dillon.
She added that there are several colleges around Clark, giving her opportunities for social interactions.
Wilkinson, on the other hand, was looking to change her environment. “I wanted it to be a little bit out of my comfort zone, which is why I picked a college at the beach.”
Safety was also a factor for Dillon when choosing a college. “The campus is very safe. They have their own police force. It’s an open campus but it’s a little bit closed off from the city,” Dillon said.
Alongside these factors, both Wilkinson and Dillon knew they wanted to attend their respective colleges since the very beginning. “I knew after my first tour of Clark that I wanted to go there. I just knew,” said Dillon.
“I fell in love with [Coastal]. I clicked when I got there and knew that this is where I want to be for the next five years. It made me feel at home,” exclaimed Wilkinson.