Northwestern University is perhaps in a somewhat awkward position. Despite its impressive ranking of 12th in the United States, it is little known in China. When introducing it, one must remember to emphasize the word 'American' to avoid confusion with Northwestern University in China, located in Xi'an. Even in the United States, some jokingly refer to it as the 'backup school for Ivy League students.' Even so, my passion for Northwestern University has not diminished since the moment I decided to apply early.
As someone dedicated to studying media, the prestigious reputation of the Medill School of Journalism was indeed my greatest attraction. Beyond that, the beautiful scenery along Lake Michigan, its proximity to the metropolis of Chicago, and the fact that only seven percent of the student body are international students from China are all unique highlights of Northwestern University.
Once you arrive at Northwestern, you will be brainwashed by a sea of deep purple. From small items like T-shirts, water cups, and badges to large ones like the school's website and the campus flower beds, everything is purple; even the library building emits a soft purple glow at night. At my workplace—the publicity department of the student office—it has become a habit to set purple as the background color for all promotional materials. At Northwestern, we have a unique love for this shade of purple, and no other color can compare. We call our love for 'Northwestern Purple' the 'Purple Pride.' No matter where we go, seeing that noble and elegant purple reminds us of our alma mater.
Most students at Northwestern advocate for liberalism, which has fostered an open academic and political atmosphere on campus. Not to mention the two or three hundred student organizations and the diverse array of activities. Here, your ideas and identity are respected, while racism or sexism are strongly condemned. While I cannot generalize, most Northwestern students are well-educated. Education broadens horizons, increases acceptance of new things, and makes equality between people easier. Of course, this also means that even as a foreigner, you will not be given any 'slack.' Whether it is a student organization position or a job, everything is based on merit.
Another phenomenon at Northwestern is the abundance of 'straight-A students' (xueba). Whether it is the passionate white student in the front row of the classroom, the Indian beauty packing her bag only when the library closes, or the Chinese high-achievers around me who have perfectly overcome language barriers, you must set aside the pride you had in high school based on exam rankings. When everyone is a high-achiever, those who only study have no standout qualities. Through student organizations, I met an editor-in-chief who managed the entire media website daily while maintaining a near-perfect GPA for three years. There are also seniors who work full-time jobs and internships while being full-time students. There are also Asian students who party all night at a fraternity and then ace their calculus exam the next day. Here, the standard for high-achievers has been raised; the competition is about who can learn the fastest and best in the time they squeeze out. Most Chinese students studying at Northwestern are also hidden masters. Many have SAT scores above 2300 and have secured various internships. Although we are on the same campus, some are busy with startups, others with stock trading; everyone seems to have their own 'little world,' walking with a sense of purpose, as if racing against time.
Furthermore, Northwestern University operates on a 'quarter system.' This means that at Northwestern, there are four terms per year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—with each term lasting only a little over two months. The short terms mean a fast-paced curriculum, often with midterms starting just two weeks into the semester. While this fast-paced teaching often makes students complain, there is no doubt that this system allows us to absorb more knowledge and experience different classes.
Also because of this busy pace of life, students' schedules are mostly quite eccentric. I had only heard of the bustling Harvard library at 4:00 AM, but I didn't expect Northwestern to be just as lively in the early hours. How many times have I seen students entering the study room after midnight, having finished their club work and other tasks? It is not uncommon to see students spending the night in the library during finals. The late-night cafeteria at Northwestern hits its 'evening peak' at 1:00 AM, as it serves as an energy refueling station for students taking a break from their studies. In the seemingly quiet night, everyone is still burning the midnight oil, writing away.
If there is anything unbearable about Northwestern, it is probably the biting cold wind of a Chicago winter. This wind is somewhat different from the wind in Beijing; while it is not as dry as a knife cutting into your face, it is particularly 'fierce.' Winds of force 5 or 6 are common, and sometimes even stronger. When the wind blows wildly, walking against it feels like an impossible task; no matter how hard you push, you get pushed back. Every time this happens, I dare not walk by the lake for fear of being blown directly into it.
However, most of the time, Northwestern is quiet and beautiful. Lake Michigan is as vast as the sea, with no end in sight. The meticulously carved building corners, the colorful stained glass in the chapel, and the sunlight filtering through the trees onto the green grass are all mesmerizing. Yet, amidst this beauty, the most characteristic feature of Northwestern is its various 'rocks.'
If one says Northwestern is not as good as other elite schools, it is probably because of its low profile. It has cultivated many prominent figures in politics, business, and even the entertainment industry, and often ranks among the top in graduate employment rates. Although it lacks the Ivy League name and the fame that spans across oceans, Northwestern students are proud to study and grow on this colorful campus. In the hearts of Northwestern people, that noble purple will always be the most brilliant color. (Note: This article is reprinted from the internet; if there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it!)