Student Voices from the Road: The following blog post—and others throughout this week—are written by Carver students participating in Carver’s 53rd Annual Spring College Tour. These reflections offer a firsthand look at their experiences visiting colleges and universities across the East Coast as they explore their futures and share what inspires them along the way.
By Tania Labaze, Norwalk High/P-Tech 11th grade, and Nariah Joy Jones, Brien McMahon High School 10th grade
After stopping at Gooey and Looie’s for a traditional Philly cheesesteak, our group headed to the “Rocky” Steps and the Statue. Many of us braved the simulation of running up the 72 steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art entrance. Next on our journey was a tour of Temple University. Carver alumna and current Temple student Mandie Romeus warmly welcomed us and shared her love of Temple University.
Temple University is a large, public state research university with over 30,000 students, located in the heart of Philadelphia. It was founded by Baptist minister Russell Conwell and his congregation from the Baptist Temple, hence its name Temple University. Temple has 17 schools, including Arts and Architecture, Business, Dentistry, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Law, and more. The campus feels like a city of its own, with tall buildings, bustling businesses, food trucks, and places to hang out. People from all over the world are studying at Temple. Temple has 18 DI men's and women's sports teams, and their mascot is an owl named Hooter.
We were impressed with the College of Engineering. It’s the smallest college at Temple, which means smaller class sizes, including labs that are capped at just 16 students. Students have plenty of one-on-one time with professors. The collaborative workspaces were incredible, especially the Idea Hub and the machines that check stress and strain on joints. We loved the hands-on component, and that Temple is an R1 research school affiliated with NASA. Many opportunities are available, including access to expensive software at no cost to students, depending on your major. You also have the option of a free laptop with power banks that last up to four hours. The school offers funds for equipment like 3D printing, and students learn how to design and build incredible things while solving real-world problems. We had the opportunity to see several 3D-printed models done by students. These models used several different types of software and materials. Students learn to think like an engineer and be one. They are part of the TSR racing group, build their cars from scratch, and then compete against other schools by racing their cars. The Temples TSR club is #25 out of 115 schools.
With an interest in psychology and mental health, the degree in Public Health caught our attention. We loved the convenient option of double or even triple majors, minors, and certificate programs. The four-year nursing program was of interest to many students. Although Temple is test-optional, you will have an edge if you have taken AP and IB classes. Scholarships are available, and the 4+1 program helps you earn a master’s degree faster if you meet all requirements.
As a person who GRAVELY wants to go to Japan the opportunity to study abroad in Kyoto or Tokyo also stood out to me—especially because study abroad is included in your tuition, and you only pay for the flight. Also of interest is their horseback riding, which I found intriguing.
Temple University offers a wide range of academic and personal growth opportunities that interest us. From hands-on learning and research to flexible majors and unique extracurriculars, it seems like a place where we could truly thrive.
