Why Furman: The Liberal Arts Perspective

Picking the College for you

College is one of the most pivotal moments in adolescence, and selecting the perfect fit can be difficult for some. This process can be difficult because people value and look for different things in their college experience. Here at Furman, people come from various backgrounds but come together with one thing in common: the liberal arts experience. A liberal arts experience means much more than just education, it is the exposure to new concepts and having the ability to morph your college experience to best fit you.

One of the most important questions on picking a college is the “Why.” Why people choose Furman could be answered with numerous different responses, but this blog will highlight two seniors on why they chose Furman based on the liberal arts experience. These seniors have benefited from Furman’s liberal arts framework and wanted to discuss their experiences with potential students.

My Why Furman: TJ Robertson

Hello everyone, my name is TJ Robertson and I am from Rock Hill, South Carolina. I will be a 2025 graduate of Furman University, majoring in Politics and International Affairs and Sociology.

As a high school senior with no clue what to study in college, the liberal arts advantage appealed greatly. At Furman, I would have the opportunity to dip my toes into a variety of disciplines that I’ve always been curious about: business, psychology, sustainability, sociology, religion, writing, etc. After doing so, I found a passion for politics and sociology (two disciplines that completely contrast my initial major in business administration)! Since I’ve been able to engage with these interests by studying public affairs in Australia, interning as an assistant campaign manager, and performing research on Montessori school segregation! The mentors and community associated with these experiences have guided my post-grad interests in graduate school and work in policy analysis! I’m forever grateful for Furman’s intentional, liberal-arts framework that emphasizes exploration and reflection.

My Why Furman: Amelia Hatley

Hey everyone, my name is Amelia Hatley and I am from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I am a double major in Biology and Religion and I will be a 2025 graduate of Furman University.

I chose Furman because I wanted a larger school feel, along with the advantages of a liberal arts education. Attending a smaller liberal arts college like Furman has allowed me to pursue my interests in both Biology and Religion through various immersive experiences. I have had the privilege of participating in biomedical undergraduate research, enjoying an abroad May semester in Turkey studying Religion, Art, and Politics, and even having an internship experience at a hospital in my hometown! These invaluable experiences exemplify my journey with the Furman advantage and have facilitated vocational exploration, confirming what I want to do with my life! Additionally, the close-knit community on Furman’s campus has filled my last four years with memories and role models that inspire my ambitions post-grad!

Why this is important

Amelia and TJ are both exceptional students who have truly utilized Furman for its research programs, study abroad opportunities, internship possibilities, double majors, and so much more. This is not only their ‘why they chose Furman,’ it is also their ‘why they chose to stay at Furman.’ I hope that their insight was able to shed light on one of the main purposes as to why students chose Furman as their home for four years.