Whitman College: Perfectly Placed for Washington Students

When I was applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to stay in-state since I’ve lived in Washington my whole life. I’m from Bothell, Washington, and it was hard for me to find the balance between staying close to home and gaining my independence. Whitman College became that perfect balance. That’s because Whitman offered a combination of three things that I couldn’t pass up: the perfect distance from home, a tight-knit community and the opportunity for personal growth.

When I began my college search, Whitman was already on my radar. I had heard glowing reviews from family members who are Whitties—my mother, grandmother and two family friends—all of them fondly reminiscing about each of their college experiences. After doing my own research, I realized Whitman is the perfect place for me too! It’s far enough that it allows me to grow on my own but close enough that I can easily visit family when I need to. It’s a place where I can challenge myself, but still feel supported by a community that cares.

One of the best decisions I could have made (after choosing to come to Whitman, of course!) was to leave my car at home. Initially, I was reluctant, but it pushed me to get involved on campus, forge deeper connections with my peers and go on fun adventures I probably wouldn’t have tried on my own like rock climbing at the campus climbing gym or going on fun trips with the Outdoor Program. I’ve also joined a sorority—something I never planned on doing—but the warm welcome I got from everyone in Whitman’s Sorority and Fraternity Life made me reconsider. They emphasize and prioritize academic excellence and foster a supportive, comfortable atmosphere, where members are friends for life!

I’ve also gotten to know my professors. The first thing that stood out to me about Whitman was its student-to-faculty ratio. Coming from a high school where I thrived with smaller class sizes, I knew that having access to my professors in college would be critical to my success. At Whitman, I make it a priority to take advantage of this opportunity by regularly visiting their office hours. Of course, I get help with coursework but I also learn about amazing campus resources I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. That personal connection to my professors has been invaluable in helping me thrive academically. In fact, I have been given the opportunity to conduct research this summer with my Computer Science professor.

Outside of academics, I’ve grown to appreciate Walla Walla too! One of the most meaningful parts of my connection to the area actually started before I even arrived. My mom attended Whitman as an international student and was connected with a host family through the Friendship Family Program. My family and I have stayed in close contact with them over the years, and now they feel like part of my extended family. Spending time with them has made Walla Walla truly feel like a special home away from home for me. It can be the same for you, too!

The community here is super supportive. Living in a smaller town like Walla Walla—with its slower pace and focus on meaningful relationships—makes it easy to feel a genuine sense of belonging. One of my favorite memories from earlier this school year was walking with friends to the Marcus Whitman Hotel, just a few blocks from campus, for a local book sale. The event was organized by members of the American Association of University Women, who spoke passionately about their mission. And I was able to get information about how to apply to become a member! It was a moment that connected my love of learning with a broader sense of community.

This experience helped me embrace my independence. Of course, there’s also the convenience of returning home when I choose to. Whether it’s taking a shuttle organized by the Student Activities Office or heading to the Walla Walla airport to catch a quick flight, I’ve got options to visit home whenever I want to. This balance of proximity and independence has been key to making my college experience fulfilling. It allows me to enjoy the best of both worlds. I can maintain the connection to home while still gaining the independence I need to grow personally.

This atmosphere is something I wouldn’t have found anywhere else, and it’s what makes my college experience feel so fulfilling. I can grow and explore while still being supported by a tight-knit community. It’s the kind of nurturing, yet independent environment that has made Whitman feel more like home than I ever expected. Looking back, I can confidently say that I made the right choice in choosing Whitman!

The blend of proximity to home, supportive academic environment, and opportunities for personal growth has made it the perfect place for me to develop into the independent, well-rounded student I hoped to be. If you’re looking for a place where you can find independence but still feel supported, Whitman might just be your perfect fit.

Hana Nandawula-Bunnya ’28 (she/her/hers) intends to study Computer Engineering through Whitman’s 3-2 Engineering Program. She is also interested in Biology, Data Science and Economics. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys listening to music, watching sunsets at the beach and spending time with friends and family.