Mackenzie Bird

Mackenzie Bird, Trine elementary education major

Trine′s smaller campus enables students to get know classmates and instructors and that has been a positive for Mackenzie Bird, a junior elementary education major from Angola.

"You are able to get to know other students in your class, which is great for when you want to form study groups," Bird said. "And, you are able to get to know each of your professors and they also get to know you," she said, adding that she meets with instructors; they actually know her as a student and about her class performance.

However, she′s quick to point out; a smaller campus does not affect academic quality.

"In the education department, they challenge you and want you to succeed. Everyone here wants you to do your best and will do everything they can to make sure that happens," Bird said. "If you ever need any help they are more than happy to walk you through the steps and direct you to where you need to go."

"Adjunct instructor Jan Wilson has made a strong impact on me just this year in my exceptional children class," Bird said. "I have always had a special place in my heart for working with the cognitively impaired, and being in her class (fall 2012) has solidified my decision to get my certification in special education."

Bird said getting involved in campus life has also been a positive experience.

"I am on the dance team and I am also a sister of the Kappa Sigma Alpha sorority," she said. "I have made so many friends by becoming involved on campus; friends I know I will have for years after I graduate."