everything looks perfect from far away

Rose-Hulman is a superb academically. But there are a few major problems. Most recently, it does not allow its students to focus on the important things in life — specifically, events that concern friends and family. This quarter, two of my friends have had someone near to them die, but because of rigor and intensity of Rose, grieving was very difficult or impossible. It is ludicrous that because of academics, you do not get to say goodbye or help and sympathize with those whom are in even more sorrow than you. I too may find myself in this situation, because my grandfather may die at any moment. My father has told me every time that I have talked with him over the past few months (when my grandfather first became very ill) that I should do what I must, and not worry about coming to the funeral and other ceremonies, and just take care of my current agenda (academics, et al). It frustrates me to no end that we cannot focus on those things we care about, because of academics — no tests, homework assignments, or finals are worth the relationships we have while we are alive. Unfortunately, we signed up for Rose-Hulman, and we must follow through with what it entails, and that is unfortunate.