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I have loved every minute of my time at Whitman College, but to be honest, I didn’t always picture myself here. My path to Whitman followed a series of what I can only describe as synchronistic or serendipitous events that arose from an overall willingness to be open to new experiences and, ultimately, just listen to my mom.

My college search consisted primarily of state schools because that was the only type of higher education I knew about. None of my close friends or family had ever attended a private liberal arts college. In fact, I didn’t even know what a “liberal arts” education truly meant until my first semester at Whitman.

I was born and raised in Edmonds, Washington, about 15 miles north of Seattle. Growing up, my friends and I dreamt about going to college in Seattle. While many of them did, I decided to branch out and explore other options.

However, I soon realized that all of the out-of-state colleges I was accepted into didn’t appeal to me and were incredibly expensive. During this time, Whitman began to show great interest in me. I felt wanted and valued by Whitman, not only for my academic achievements, but for what I had to offer as a unique individual. My family and I received personalized letters from Whitman faculty and a box full of cute Whitman swag and goodies.

By April of my senior year of high school, many of my classmates were announcing their future plans while I was still deeply conflicted about mine. My mom really loved the interest Whitman was showing in me, and she had heard really great things about the college. So, she told me to just visit the school—“you don’t have to go there, but just visit.” Admittedly, I wasn’t interested in visiting, but something told me to still say “yes.” Little did I know back then, this “yes” would completely alter the trajectory of my life.

My mom and I arrived on campus on a beautiful day for an admitted students event, now called . I still remember the feeling of driving into campus and falling in love with the charm of Walla Walla. Immediately upon arrival, I felt a significant shift in my attitude towards visiting. Something special was happening here at Whitman.

Our first stop was Reid Campus Center, where we were greeted by friendly students and given MORE free swag and stickers (this may or may not have contributed to my ultimate decision). There is a certain vibe you get visiting campus in person—especially in the spring. Students are hanging out on Ankeny Field (aka Ank), and there are baby ducks waddling around everywhere! It’s a great time.

Later that day, while my mom and I ate lunch in Cleveland Commons (commonly known as Cleve), a student worker for admissions approached our table and sat down with us. This is where my story becomes strangely serendipitous. The student was Danny Steinberg ’26, a member of the Whitman and teams and later into our lunch, another runner—David Craine ’27—sat down with us. Despite running cross country and track for three years in high school, I never thought about running in college. I didn’t think that was an option for me.

So the whole situation started to feel a bit suspicious, like, “Okay, is this a setup? Do they know I’m a cross-country runner too?” But it was not a setup. Danny and David really did just randomly sit down with my mom and me. Because of them, I went from never even considering running in college to committing to Whitman as an NCAA DIII athlete a month later.

I left my Whitman visit with a lingering feeling of excitement and promise. There was only one last obstacle: the cost. Financially, Whitman’s tuition was far more than my family could afford, but with the generous financial aid offer that was guaranteed for all four years, the deal was sold, and I accepted my offer to attend Whitman right as candidates’ replies were due.

Since my decision to say “yes” and visit Whitman (and begrudgingly listen to my mom), I have competed with the Whitman Cross Country team at our regional championships twice; rekindled my love for music and singing through ; experienced and led sorority recruitment as a member of ; presented in the Whitman Undergraduate Conference; collaborated with students, faculty, and the wider Walla Walla community through the Human-Centered Design program; lead first-year orientation as an Opening Week Leader (OWL); and most recently, I became an Illustrator for the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Office of Communications. 

Every opportunity and experience I have had at Whitman has been made possible due to the incredible support system here. The phenomenal professors, , mental health counselors, career specialists, residence life staff and staff are all incredibly passionate, hard-working, and dedicated to ensuring the academic success of students. They are the foundation of Whitman. Additionally, it is a privilege to be surrounded by a curious, collaborative and intelligent student body who challenge me every day to reach further and think critically about a wide range of complex issues and questions.

The friends I have made at Whitman have been the heart of my experience. I am so grateful for these friendships, and most of all, for the love and support from my family. I hate to admit it, but you were right, Mom. I love you!

You should say “yes” too and ! There are so many reasons why students choose Whitman.

Lily Kamila’28 (she/her) is an Art and Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse major with a concentration in Human-Centered Design from Edmonds, Washington. You will find her running or biking around beautiful Walla Walla, hanging out in Cleve, making sculptures in the art building or reading in Penrose Library! She even made a cameo in the 2025 ³Ô¹ÏÍø Holiday video.