Northwhat?...Northwestern

Did you know that Northwestern University has a 30 hour dance marathon? Neither did I, but it has raised over $16 million since 1975 when it was founded. Is there another reason needed to fall in love with this school? I’m already sold honestly.

30 hour dance marathon

Northwestern University today has become a school many dream of going to. And they do so for a good reason. It currently ranks #12 in the nation, #5 in business, is the #10 law school and #17 medical school— and has a 30 hour dance marathon.  

It spends about $650 million a year in research, and that’s money a student can use to explore a field they may not be able to in another school. In fact, one of their recent articles was on a museum director conducting research to transform the museum into a home for all forms of art and knowledge. I thought it showed clearly how all the research, and their money, was being directly implemented to benefit students. Some of their research centers include the Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics, the Center for Forced Migration Studies, and Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, just to name a few. (They have 90 in total).

A play at NU. Looks VERY grand.

NU also seems to be very engaged into arts, with many plays and concerts being held in the next few weeks. In fact (another fun fact to make your day brighter), their swim club turned into a musical production club. In the 1940s, the swim club needed to raise funds so they put up a play. After that, the club has expanded and become the nation’s largest student-run musical.

One of the things that caught my attention was an event called VentureCat. It is an annual competition where students can pitch their start-ups and earn money. There are three grand winners who can earn $30K, $15K, and $10K for their companies. It seemed to be very competitive and intensive, with the winning team being a data analytics company that uses flying robots to automatically count inventory in warehouses. 

Northwestern also has another campus in Qatar. In it’s “About” section, it prides in the fact that its location in the Middle East creates a fusion of culture and other progressive ideas that make students prepared to work anywhere in the world. I think that’s completely true because the students there could have the best, and know the worst, of both worlds. 

Meanwhile, back in Evanston’s NU, there exists a Happiness Club :) They will give out hugs and hot chocolates occasionally to keep the campus happy in its stressful times. The campus’s beautiful unity could even be seen in the Rock, a huge rock on campus that could be painted over to spread a message... or propose someone.

What more do you need if there's hugs and hot chocolate?

These activities just prove that NU could be home to anyone. You could spend your time researching, then partying to relieve stress, and finally relaxing with a concert or play. It offers everything any student would want— while still providing a good education (and a 30 hour dance marathon).