Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River! A liberal arts college at heart, Willamette teaches all its students its motto in Latin, translated as "Not unto ourselves alone are we born." Students are asked, "how are you going to live the motto?" While many of its students come from the Pacific Northwest, Willamette has a 57-year partnership with Tokyo International University, which sends 100 students here per year.

The state capital is literally across the street, and we were told that the local joke is that the state government wouldn't work without Willamette students! They intern in the governor's office, naturally, but many other types of internships are available for many different types of thinkers: mathematicians, economists and communicators, for example. Additionally, Salem Health, a hospital, is also across the street for opportunities in STEM and healthcare.

What I really love about Willamette is the concept of hearths, something I hadn't heard of before. They're collaborative academic areas in each academic department, nestled among faculty areas. It's where students within a particular department gather to study, work together, or just hang out, next door to faculty offices. Faculty often provide snacks, establishing a really comfortable, homey atmosphere for students. I loved this!

An hour from the coast, an hour from the mountains, and an hour from the Portland Airport, Willamette University is a liberal arts college that deserves consideration from students across the country. The added bonus for those who need more sun than one might expect in the Pacific Northwest: sunlamps are offered on loan at the campus library!