Tracking her Success
Large universities never appealed to Hunter Fields. Graduating from a small high school in Morgantown, Indiana, she worried she would drown in a state school crowd. So, once her college hunt began, Hunter set her sights on Indiana’s more modestly populated schools.
Franklin College popped onto her radar when the college’s track team coach reached out to her. After exploring Franklin’s website and then the campus, Hunter felt a connection. The college’s small-town feel was comfortable for the first-generation college student, and she knew living here meant more than living in a dorm room.
“College has changed me in the sense I have learned to make a few meaningful connections instead of just a thousand acquaintances.” – Fields
Along with making life-long friends among her peers, the now Franklin College graduate also connected with faculty and staff who have provided positive role models. Chief among them is Demetrius Bailey, who coaches track.
“Coach Bailey has given this team and program so much of himself and it is wonderful to see the program growing and getting better.” – Fields
Coach Bailey goes above and beyond the call of duty to help his runners reach their full potential. Between meeting for a run at the crack of dawn to using his lunch hour to help them throw javelins, Coach Bailey made Hunter feel she had someone in her corner at all times.
“I have never met a more selfless, caring coach. He has truly changed me as a person, pushed me as an athlete, and made me a stronger leader.” – Fields
The sociology and psychology double-major’s life-changing experience on the track team taught her what it meant to be a Grizzly.
“My relationships with faculty have impacted me as a student in wanting to always make them proud and push myself to be better, not only for myself but also for them. Franklin has enhanced my life and brought into my life some of the people I value most.” – Fields
Franklin College’s small community means more opportunities for collaboration and one-on-one time with instructors — on and off the field.