When I read the words of guest Columnist Heath James in the Oct. 15 issue of The Wichitan, I was livid at his passionate attack over Midwestern State University being ‘irrelevant.’ As a writer, I found myself hearing the frustrated cries of those that Midwestern has been more than just a college for, but a home. I needed to write a rebuttal.

The first thing that is addressed in Mr. James’s column is that this university does not care for their students, and his largest concern appears to be that credits from a prior school did not transfer, and he did not wish to take foreign language for his degree, therefore he left after one year. It is important to remember when you transfer schools to ensure you speak with an adviser to find out which credits are transferable.

Also keep in contact with the Admissions office, for everything they do takes time. It was half a semester before my associate’s degree was processed. Once it was processed, my adviser was able to say that I was counted as having my degree and I did not need to take the core classes which I lacked in my transcripts.

I first came to Midwestern in 2007. Circumstances forced me to leave, and with a low GPA, but I wanted to come back and have a second chance if Midwestern would have me.

I got that chance in Spring of 2014. After taking some time off, I acquired my Associate’s Degree from Tarrant County Community College. I had a near-3.0 GPA, allowing me back into Midwestern. Yet, according to Mr. James’s article, Midwestern should never have allowed me back. Did I cheat the system? Did I slip past some unassuming office worker? Not at all, I just followed the rules.

I worked closely with my adviser in my final semester at Tarrant County College, and with Midwestern’s Admissions and Registrar’s office. Yes, there was a time that I had a hold preventing me from registering classes because I’d applied to Midwestern before the Fall semester and did not take any classes, but the Registrar’s office was nice enough to correct the hold and let me set up my classes.

In Fall 2014, I worked closely with Dr. Ted Paddack, who is my current adviser for a Criminal Justice major. While I only took one class in criminal justice, he understood that I was working on building up my GPA first. I also took Art Appreciation, which I made a ‘D’ in during my first run at Midwestern, and my instructor gave as much help as she could in my efforts to understand the material in the book.

I made three A’s and one B in that semester, bringing my GPA up substantially. I was able to register for my next semester. All of my former professors recognized me from my first run and have been friendly and helpful, even in areas outside of the subject.

My point is that with a little personal effort and understanding of the degree requirements at a liberal arts school, Mr. James may still be a student here.

For me, it’s a joy to wake up every day on campus and wave at the people walking to or from class, or to run by one of my professors and ask them any questions I have about class. It’s great to have the opportunity to attend events on campus, or to experience the free gym in the Wellness Center. This is a university where education does indeed matter, this is a community that encourages involvement, and above all else, Midwestern State University is my home.

Therein lies the true joy of this university, the likes of which I have not seen in any other. Midwestern impacts each and every student in its own way. Sure there are those who may not be satisfied with something, such as Mr. James, but in his case especially, it was not the university’s fault.

Mr. James is neither right or wrong in his opinion regarding the university. In the one semester he attended, he was met with whatever unfortunate circumstances gave him a negative view of the campus, but I am here to say that Midwestern is what you make of it. Midwestern can either charm its way into your heart, becoming a place of warmth, of encouragement and shelter, or it won’t. If you hold it to impossible standards, then it will not be a positive experience for you, but if you hold it to reasonable experiences and make an effort to actually seek out the people who are here to help you, then it can be a great experience.