Having been a student at The Principia for twelve years, James was skeptical about coming to the college.  “At first, as an Upper Schooler,” he says, “I wasn’t sure I wanted to come to Prin College because I was afraid it would be just an extension of my current experience.  I appreciated and loved my high school friends, but I wanted to branch out – meet new people, experience new adventures, go to cool places.”  Despite his hesitations, though, James kept Prin on his list.  He visited many colleges, applied to two, and ultimately decided that Principia College was the place for him.
 
It didn’t take long for the college to feel like home for James; his concerns quickly evaporated, and he soon found himself exploring many facets of the Principia experience.  “A challenging first quarter banished my fear that the academic side of the college wouldn’t be rigorous enough.  And by the beginning of winter quarter, most of my close friends were new friends from around the country and from around the world!  
 
“Another year flew by, and I had flown to Japan to spend two amazing months with my friends and with the Japanese.  Certainly the best place to learn about the culture, the language, and the society of Japan is… well, in Japan!  Braving typhoons, raw cow liver, and the jam-packed high-tech world of the modern day cities, while at the same time relaxing in hot baths, discovering ancient temples and shrines, and bike riding through quaint mountain villages, Japan was an experience of a life time.
 
“I also loved my roles in student government, in my house, in the Christian Science Organization, and helping out the Volleyball team.  I could go on and on.  There were just so many options from which to choose.  Sometimes I wish college lasted longer than four years!”  
 
After four full years at Principia College, James sums up his experience: “it’s like a 5-star all-you-can-eat buffet of amazingly fun opportunities.  It definitely has something for everyone.”