I recently took the opportunity to interview Naketa Washington, who has just started her career at Calumet College this past fall. She is an accounting major, member of the track team, and a work study here in the admissions and financial aid office. I took some time to hear about her experience thus far in the CCSJ family, learn about her goals for the future, and listen to her advice for those who might follow in her footsteps. “Keta” as we all like to call her, provides a valuable insight into life at CCSJ from her own very unique perspective. We are very proud to have her here and look forward to her continued successes. Enjoy!
What are some of the factors you considered when choosing a college?
The athletic program and location were both very important factors to me. I wanted a college where I could take my academics and athletics seriously, not just a party school. A couple of the other schools I looked at were Ohio State and Tennessee University. In the end Calumet College allowed me to pursue my academic and athletic goals, while staying close to my family as well.
What was your initial point of contact with Calumet College and your first impression?
The head track coach Don Reed came to our school; he was really different from the other recruiters. He seemed super excited all the time, he just jumped out of the box. It made me really want to be a part of the program because of his passion.
Did you find the financial aid process difficult to understand? How were you able to navigate through it?
I didn’t think I would end up owing very much with the athletic scholarship and my family’s income. I did take out a small loan for some books, but my tuition was covered. At first I was a little disappointed there wasn’t on campus housing offered, but in some ways, I like the responsibility of paying for things on my own and having my place off campus. My first impression of the financial aid office staff was that they looked nice. I was expecting them to be a little mean or at least very direct and straight to the point, but at CCSJ financial aid they really seemed to care and take time with me.
At Calumet College the Staff and Faculty refer to ourselves here as the Calumet College Family, have you experienced this feeling during your time here?
The first time I really experienced this was when the financial aid and admissions office took the time and effort to try to surprise me for my birthday. At first I was disappointed that I hadn’t even got a happy birthday, but then I saw a decorated cake go by out of the corner of my eye. They all took the time to make me feel special. That evening Coach Stamper and a couple of the track guys took me out to dinner for my birthday as well. It was an awesome day and I felt people really cared.
I also feel this family effect through being a part of the track team. I’ve never had a big brother. Now I feel that the guys on the team really treat me as a sister; they are so respectful and know what to say and do to make me feel comfortable.
What are some of the factors you considered when choosing a college?
The athletic program and location were both very important factors to me. I wanted a college where I could take my academics and athletics seriously, not just a party school. A couple of the other schools I looked at were Ohio State and Tennessee University. In the end Calumet College allowed me to pursue my academic and athletic goals, while staying close to my family as well.
What was your initial point of contact with Calumet College and your first impression?
The head track coach Don Reed came to our school; he was really different from the other recruiters. He seemed super excited all the time, he just jumped out of the box. It made me really want to be a part of the program because of his passion.
Did you find the financial aid process difficult to understand? How were you able to navigate through it?
I didn’t think I would end up owing very much with the athletic scholarship and my family’s income. I did take out a small loan for some books, but my tuition was covered. At first I was a little disappointed there wasn’t on campus housing offered, but in some ways, I like the responsibility of paying for things on my own and having my place off campus. My first impression of the financial aid office staff was that they looked nice. I was expecting them to be a little mean or at least very direct and straight to the point, but at CCSJ financial aid they really seemed to care and take time with me.
At Calumet College the Staff and Faculty refer to ourselves here as the Calumet College Family, have you experienced this feeling during your time here?
The first time I really experienced this was when the financial aid and admissions office took the time and effort to try to surprise me for my birthday. At first I was disappointed that I hadn’t even got a happy birthday, but then I saw a decorated cake go by out of the corner of my eye. They all took the time to make me feel special. That evening Coach Stamper and a couple of the track guys took me out to dinner for my birthday as well. It was an awesome day and I felt people really cared.
I also feel this family effect through being a part of the track team. I’ve never had a big brother. Now I feel that the guys on the team really treat me as a sister; they are so respectful and know what to say and do to make me feel comfortable.
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