Dear Parent,
Two years ago, we were in the same place you are today - helping our daughter navigate through the often overwhelming process of selecting an institution for her continuing education. As we helped our daughter, Colleen, make decisions that would have a significant short and long term impact on her, we felt both excited and confused. We carefully went through all the university material and websites, made several campus site tours, and networked with family and friends. We had a lot of information to consider from all our research but there was something special about St. Jerome's University and we all felt it very early in the process - SJU quickly jumped to the top of the list.
As I think back to that time, there were a number of reasons why SJU was the number one choice for all of us.
St. Jerome's University is unique in that it provides students with the best of both worlds - a small academic community within the larger University of Waterloo campus. We thought Colleen would feel more comfortable in a smaller community, but having access to a large campus with a broad range of academic options was important too. SJU was like having our cake and eating it too and that had a lot of appeal to all of us.
All of our initial contacts with SJU staff were very positive. They were more than happy and able to answer our numerous questions, provided timely, clear and useful information, and gave us some very helpful tips to make the transition from high school in Calgary to university in Waterloo smoother for Colleen and us.
The SJU campus and residence was clean, safe, and well located on the UW campus. It appeared organized, well maintained and managed. The student/resident who conducted the tour was informed and very enthusiastic. She shared her personal experiences in an honest and sincere way - and had a strong sense of pride in Sweeny Hall and SJU. We were all immediately comfortable that it was a fit with our academic and lifestyle expectations and were thrilled when Colleen decided to accept the SJU offer!
Nearly two years later, we continue to be pleased with Colleen's decision to attend SJU. She has excelled academically and personally. She is involved in a wide range of activities, has great friends and loves living on campus at SJU. For us, SJU has provided everything that any parent wants for their son/daughter - a safe and healthy environment, a positive & welcoming community, access to top notch academic opportunities, staff and faculty that are dedicated, engaged and interested in the students and so much more. It has become her home away from home.
Even though we miss having Colleen at home with us in Calgary, we know she is happy, safe and thriving at SJU in Waterloo, and for us as parents, that is what is most important!
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien
