For Elizabeth Thompson ’07, of Clinton, NY, St. Lawrence offered a chance to explore different intellectual roads so that she might decide what she wanted to do with her life.

“I wanted to be in a place where I could cultivate strong relationships with people who care about the same things I do,” says the Clinton Senior High School graduate. “The small class sizes and great student-faculty ratio made the difference; I was excited to be a part of a community where I would know many people in so many different capacities.

“I like being a part of a community where I know so many people. Being familiar with so many students, faculty and staff really strengthens my sense of the community,” says Liz.

It’s not only the relationships that she has made at St. Lawrence but also the chance to seek out intellectually challenging and inspiring opportunities. “I've been a part of the St. Lawrence community in many ways; as a community assistant, research assistant for my advisor, Professor of Gender Studies Danielle Egan, first-year student mentor and member of the Women's Resource Center,” says Liz, a sociology major and gender studies minor. “In addition, I got to spend spring 2006 on St. Lawrence’s Denmark program and the following summer interning at a non-profit organization in Washington, DC, with the help of an internship fellowship from the career services office.”

Liz’s St. Lawrence career has left a lasting impression on her by allowing her to find a passion and pursue it. Now, she’s contemplating becoming a college professor because, in her words, “I'm interested in being an empathetic and supportive resource to other students because thanks to my St. Lawrence experience I understand how affirming it is to have people believe in my abilities.”