Caitlin Haney

Class of 2009

Austin, Texas

Academic Major

I am double majoring in Politics and Philosophy, and after graduation I plan on attending law school. I hope to one day play a role in the formation of federal laws. The critical thinking, public speaking, and discussion skills that I will need have been further developed at St. Andrews. My classes have taught me the importance of listening during discussion and being open to other ideas while remaining loyal to the things that I personally value. These skills will be of utmost importance in professional discussions.

Why St. Andrews?

St. Andrews is a one-of-a-kind institution that constantly provides it students with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and relationships. However, St. Andrews isn’t for everyone. If you aren’t willing to grow as a human being, if you have become callous to the world around and care about nothing except instant gratifications, then St. Andrews isn’t the place for you.

I came to St. Andrews by accident. I had always planned on attending the University of Texas at Austin and continuing the same

life I had always known. I had the grades, SAT Score, and extracurricular activities to go to any school I wanted. But then, my senior year, I got sick and my life drastically changed. I missed six weeks of my senior year of high school. I realized that not very many people even noticed. That is when I knew I wanted a fresh start. The family community here on campus continually supports me and there is no doubt in my mind that without that I would not have been able to flourish in the same way that I have. After being so sick, my confidence was greatly diminished. St. Andrews has given me the courage to try again and my confidence has soared!

St. Andrews Faculty

Dr. Bushoven has taught me to take pride in my work and to notice the world that surrounds me. Dr. Bushoven published a book with the St. Andrews Press titled Traveling Notes. As a freshman in Honors I was required to read it. Recently I picked it back up and read it again cover to cover. I was then inspired to take more detailed notes on my own road trip from North Carolina to Texas. I often pass his office, and whenever I notice the door is open I know that I can go in and discuss whatever may be on my mind. Often times I have a question about an assignment or scheduling, but there are other times when I just want to stop in, say hello, and talk about the things that are going on in my life. I know that whenever I need someone to talk to, Dr. Bushoven is willing to listen.

Every faculty member has left an impact on me. There are also countless people, such as Glenn Batten (VP of Enrollment and Student Services), Renee Jones (Career Services), or Gary Dimsdale (Security) who I have never had a class with but who have also greatly impacted my college experience. I wish I could a write a little something about every member of the St. Andrews community.

Meaningful Experience

Before I came to St. Andrews I looked to other people to form my opinion. Since my arrival I have been forced to re-evaluate why I feel a certain way about different subjects. I have discovered that although sometimes this evaluation results in affirmation of preconceived ideas, sometimes I learn that the only reason why I feel a certain way is because I never considered it from another perspective.

Me with my horse! I board at the St. Andrews Equestrian Center.