Profile: Scott Schroeder

Scott Schroeder, 19, a sophomore in political science, knows UC better than most of his fellow students, even those who live on campus.

After all, the Delhi resident and 1999 Elder High School grad, has visited UC for years, coming to campus with his Dad, Groundsman Rob Schroeder. Now, Scott not only attends classes here, he also works alongside his Dad full-time in the summer and part-time during the school year.

He sees UC when it's just waking up at 6:30 a.m. in the summer and when it's slumbering beneath 3 a.m. snowfalls.

Because of his familiarity with campus, Scott didn't feel the first-year nervousness that some of his peers did. Also, he says he thrives in the larger world of a college campus. "It's fun here. It's less structured than high school. I didn't like moving with the herd in high school. Here, you have more responsibility for yourself. I like that," he explained.

Scott goes on to describe UC as technologically advanced, a rich environment, energetic, expansive, "giving you a choice in any direction you want to go...It's diverse yet homey."

As something of a veteran, Scott advises new students to put their college experience in perspective. "This transition is just part of life. Don't be scared to death. It's just a change of scene."

He also advises students to read as much as possible over the summer breaks. "Not that I have," he laughs, but he wishes he'd kept his mind sharper over long breaks.

Scott is undecided about work he would eventually like to pursue. He's considering journalism, perhaps specializing in film criticism one day. His dad, Rob, more than encourages his son to pursue law school, and then laughs, admitting while nodding toward Scott, "I'm trying to live vicariously through him."