Alumni Testimonials
In early 2006, Mike Connor of Connor & Associates asked more than 100 Evansville Day School alumni: "Did EDS make a difference in your life? If yes, in what ways?"
Below, please find selected answers:
"While I was not raised in Evansville and attended EDS from sophomore year to graduation, I developed a sense of community and belonging even as an outsider. Some of the best experiences of my life come from the years I spent at EDS. Everyone was given a chance to succeed. I felt challenged and academically grounded."
"Oh yes. I loved it there. I was there from kindergarten through senior year. I was intensly shy when I started. I grew out of that and was confident in expressing myself. I always felt confident in college because of how often we had discussions at Day School. I also had expereince with essay tests. In fact, I didn't have all multiple choice tests until I went to college. I loved being as close to everyone as I was both classmates and instructors."
"I was way ahead of everyone else when I got to college. Also, the friendships I created with classmates at EDS are stronger than the ones I made at college."
"Preparation for college was essential. I enjoyed the small school feeling."
"EDS was a great learning environment. It was laid back and welcoming. My teachers were so well qualified. Most could have easily taught at the graduate level.I never knew just how fortunate I was...and still am."
"I think the great variety of experiences I had at EDS and the excellent education I was given made me a more well-rounded person and allowed me to achieve everything I have set my mind to. Also, the friendships I made there have lasted, and my best friends today are still my Day School friends."
"Strong preparation for good performance in college. College degree completed quickly. Unparalleled writing and public speaking training."
"Yes, the teachers were wonderful. They constantly pushed me beyond my comfort zone when it came to learning and taught me to use my critical thinking skills. They taught me that I can succed if I put forth effort."
"Excellent study skills and confidence in academic abilities. Enabled me to earn a year of college credit before entering college Strong network of peers including those I still keep in touch with ("friends for life" does really mean that in some cases!) Allowed me to be on athletic teams and other extracurricular activities I would not have been involved in a bigger school."
"I feel lucky to have attended EDS. I was well prepared for college and feel that my writing skills exceed my peers, all due to the preparation I received at EDS. This is actually an odd thing because math and science are my stong subjects."
"I started EDS in high school. I believe it challenged me to strive for higher standards, both academically and personally. Enriched my life and made for great contacts for my career in Evansville."
"Yes, I beleive EDS allowed me to attend the college of my choice, which has led me to many successes in life. I also have five life long best friends with whom I spent many years at EDS."
"Many ways. But particularly the staff. I am convinced I would not be where I am now without EDS."
"I felt extremely prepared for college, better so than many of my classmates at Yale; people there often came to me when they needed help with math, essay editing, and grammar. The EDS faculty members were approachable, and they encouraged and challenged me."
"EDS made me aware of different ethnic groups and cultures. I met many different types of people. I learned how to study, and how to organize my time. When I got to college, most of the students had no idea how to manage their studies."
"As a scholarship student, I was placed in another peer group when I changed to EDS. In this peer group, it was the norm to go on to higher education. In contrast, to the group that I had grown up with it was not considered even a viable option. I believe it was both the atmosphere at EDS, as well as, the student population that changed my way of thinking. After graduating from EDS, I believed that achievement through higher education was possible for me."
"Creative Thinking, and strong training in fundamentals of education such as classic literature made liberal arts education at college level well-rounded. Developed a hunger to explore-not just learn- by graduating EDS. Entered college with confidence that I could succeed instead of the fear of a new place with a much larger class size. I own my own business now, as do many in class of 89."
"I believe that the close relationships I was able to build with my teachers at EDS helped me to gain the confidence that was necessary for me to succeed in my further schooling when there was less individualized attention available."
"Small class size, teacher commitment, and interactive format layed a foundation for critical thinking and life time learning."
"The fact that I received personal attention from my teachers at EDS encouraged me to seek a similar environment in college and to seek out my college professors when I needed help - this in turn provided me with a wonderfully enriching college experience."
"The education at EDS thoroughly prepared me for college. I believe that I am a better critical thinker, a better writer, a better leader, and more of a well-rounded person because of my learning experiences and time at EDS. I also gained numerous lifelong friendships through the close-knit, family environment of EDS."
"Upper school at EDS was a wonderful experience for me. Because of access to a wide array of AP classes, I had enough credit hours that during my first year of college at Indiana University, I had sophomore status. This allows me to take full advantage of the different classes, and I don't have to focus as much on the bland requirements, because EDS got those out of the way for me! What I miss most from EDS are the teachers--many of them feel like family to me, and I miss having such close interaction with them. They are so dedicated and really helped me develop the proper work ethic and habits that are required to succeed. The family atmosphere is so unique to EDS, and it is something that all of my peers who have graduated cherish."
"It was an incredible education-completely prepared for college and post-graduate studies I developed a thirst for learning that's never stopped. I still love to learn! To this day, I am still kidded about the fact that in my senior year of high school, I was editor of the school newspaper, Vice-President of the Student Council, President of the French Club, Captain of the Cheerleaders and recipient of the Headmaster's Cup. This is the type of school that allows students to excel in all different types of arenas."
"Yes, I was better prepared for college than other students from Indiana, and the small class sizes helped me to meet my potential since I am a shy person and would not speak up in larger classes."
"Yes. When I attended, the school demanded that you perform to your potential and then exceed it. That has served me well my entire life."
"Yes, If I had not gone to the Day School, I probably would have not gone to college. I was never a good student and often a poor student. Some of the faculty gave me confidence, taught me important life lessons, and introduced me to a classic education. And I have tried to see that my children have had these same opportunities. I graduated 1n 1967."
"EDS made me feel like an individual, worthy of individual attention from teaches."
"It taught me how to interact with my teachers, which has helped me in college."
"EDS created a foundation of curiosity and learning that continues to grow. It was a safe environment to begin to discover who I am and my potential."
"Yes, in many ways. It helped me grow, while constantly challenging me to do my best."
"I think of EDS as a very special school that I am very fortunate to have attended. I still keep in touch with some of my former teachers at EDS, which is rare among my colleagues and friends. I didn't always love it while I was there, but as time passes I realize more and more how fortunate I was to have had the school experience I had."
"Yes, by attending Evansville Day School I had the opprotunity to make life long friends. My class was like a family. If one of my classmates ever needed anything I would be more than willing to help any of them in any way I possibly could and I know that they would do the same for me. I feel privileged to have had the opprotunity to meet my very best friends by attending Evansville Day School." |
