Growing up in Rockville, Maryland — near Washington, D.C. — Dylan Studley ’28 developed an interest in political science. But when it came time to choose a college, he found the right fit a few hundred miles to the north, at Skidmore College.

“I really liked the Political Science Department here. Even with the study of American Western politics, I felt like I could very easily branch out into international politics.”

Dylan is now combining his passion for political science with gender studies and plans to declare a self-determined major in human rights, with the goal of attending law school after Skidmore.

From his very first visit to campus, Dylan says he could envision himself as part of the Skidmore community. 

“Skidmore was the first school in the country I toured and it kind of became the bar that I held other schools to very quickly. I was able to see myself even in the tour guides we had, so I could very much see myself here. And then I never really found another school that I felt as happy about the idea of being at.”

After Dylan was accepted, he joined a Skidmore Discord server, open to incoming students seeking to connect with their peers. “I came in with a group of friends who are still my immediate friend group.”

When he arrived on campus to start the fall semester, his first experiences were with the Skidmore College Outdoor Orientation Program (SCOOP), offered as an option before New Student Orientation. SCOOP helps first-year students get to know their peers through on-campus and off-campus activities, with the guidance of junior and senior peer leaders.

Dylan participated in the on-campus “Saratoga Sampler,” which visits local attractions in Saratoga Springs, including shops and restaurants in its bustling downtown, Saratoga Spa State Park, and the famous Saratoga Race Course. Other trips took students on adventures in the nearby Adirondack Mountains.

“Through the program, I was able to reconnect with a friend, and being on campus early helped me settle in more quickly. It’s nice that you’re here without having to focus on the academic part of college quite yet.”

Dylan made his home in Kimball residence hall, where he enjoys socializing and meeting new friends in the common rooms.

He enrolled in the Scribner Seminar “Being Yourself,” which discusses the concept of selfhood and identity. Scribner Seminars are innovative first-year courses taught by faculty across disciplines. Peer mentors assist with the transition as new Skidmore students are introduced to the College’s academics and community. “My Scribner Seminar made me feel even more welcomed.”

His Introduction to Comparative and International Politics course, taught by Associate Professor of Political Science Bob Turner, was another favorite during his first semester. “I really liked the discussion format.”

Beyond the classroom, Dylan is interested in taking sign language and plans to continue with the Skidmore Treblemakers, an all-inclusive acapella group.

He also enjoys participating in the Skidmore Chorus. “The first day I went, it felt like I was in school choir again, so I was just really happy to have that energy around me again. And I like that it incorporates people from the local community as well.” 

Dylan hopes to join T-Breds Raising Pups in his sophomore year, a student club that facilitates the training of Service Dogs with guidance from the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s Vet Foundation. He is also excited about exploring the trails in Skidmore’s North Woods and the farmer’s markets in Saratoga Springs.

Though preparing for and starting college can sometimes feel overwhelming, Dylan says he’s grateful for all the ways Skidmore made the transition so much easier.

“I didn’t have to stress as much as I thought,” he says. “I would tell others considering Skidmore that you will feel right at home.”