Reagan Cherwin grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois, but always felt a pull to KU. Now a senior in Unified Early Childhood Education, she’s built a second home in Lawrence — one filled with friends, mentors and experiences she never expected.

 

 

For Reagan, KU has been part of the family for as long as she can remember. Her father earned his law degree here, and a family trip back to Lawrence during her childhood planted the seeds for her own Jayhawk story. By the time she was 12, she had already told her parents she would go to KU one day.

Years later, after visiting other colleges, KU still stood out. It felt like home but was far enough to give her independence. The choice brought more than just distance from her hometown. It opened doors to leadership experiences, study abroad and a supportive community that helped Reagan grow.

Q: Tell us a little about you and what you’re studying at KU.

A: I’m from Arlington Heights, Illinois. I’m a senior majoring in Unified Early Childhood Education, and I’m student teaching right now.

Q: How did KU first get on your radar?

A: My dad attended law school at KU, and my parents lived here for a year while he finished. When I was 12, they brought us back to visit KU and reconnect with his law school friends. During that visit, I fell in love with KU. I told my parents at the time, “I’m going to KU."

Q: What made you choose KU when it was time to decide on colleges?

A: I visited schools all over the country, but KU felt like home. It was far enough away to push me out of my comfort zone and live independently, but not so far that I couldn’t go back if I needed to. 

I wanted to grow on my own and not have the option of going home every weekend. In the end, I gained so much more than independence. KU was also the smartest financial choice for me.

Q: Did scholarships play a role in making KU affordable?

A: Yes. KU’s scholarship money and merit incentives made it more financially reasonable than other schools I was looking at, both the Illinois options and other out of state schools.

Q: How has the distance from Illinois worked out for you?

A: I didn’t have a car until junior year, so my first two years I flew home a few times but usually found rides through group chats and friends. People are so willing to carpool. Now I drive home with my brother, who’s also at KU. My family visits at least once a year. 

It was definitely hard at first to be so far away from home, and sometimes I would get sad about leaving my family. But giving yourself the chance to build a life here makes you sad to leave Lawrence too, because you’re going to miss your people. It really sets you up for life.

Q: What has surprised you most about KU?

A: I never considered studying abroad before college. KU encourages it and offers a lot of information, support, and scholarships. In May of my sophomore year, I studied abroad in Carpi, Italy, where I taught English in an Italian preschool and lived with a host family. It was probably the greatest experience of my life so far.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about living in Lawrence?

A: It’s a fun, lively college town. There’s always something going on, and everybody here loves KU. Mass Street especially has such a great atmosphere.

Q: Do you have a favorite KU tradition?

A: The Rock Chalk chant at football and basketball games. It gives me chills every time because it sounds so cool and everyone’s doing it together. I also love waving the wheat after we score a touchdown in football!

Q: Where do you like to study on campus?

A: Anschutz Library. It’s open 24 hours and has different floors for different types of work. If I’m with friends we go to the group work floor, but if I need to focus there are quieter floors. It’s also in a central spot, so it’s easy to get to between classes.

Q: How have KU professors or classes shaped you?

A: During my sophomore year, I took a sociology class with Professor Najafizadeh that was very different from any class I had taken before, and it was extremely challenging for me. After failing two quizzes in a row, I was distraught and unsure how to move forward. At my parents’ encouragement, I went to my professor’s office hours. She met with me many times over the course of the semester, helping me develop effective study habits and test-taking strategies. That experience completely transformed how I approach every class and ultimately led me to earn an A in the course.

Q: How have you gotten involved outside of class?

A: I’m in Gamma Phi Beta, play intramural sports, and I’m also involved with KU’s TPE program — an inclusive program for students with intellectual disabilities. As a Navigator, I help with classes, campus life, and just figuring out day-to-day things. I’m also part of Turning Point KU and the Future Educators Club. 

I am also in Phi Kappa Phi, which is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society, inviting the top students and scholars to a lifelong network of academic and professional opportunities.

Q: What helped you find your people as an out-of-state student?

A: Living in the dorms was a huge part of my KU experience. I went through sorority recruitment without knowing anyone and had a random roommate who wasn’t doing recruitment. Luckily, she was wonderful, and we got along great. Even beyond that, being on Daisy Hill and surrounded by so many students your age creates constant opportunities to connect. To this day, my closest friends are the ones I met in my dorm.

Q: When did KU start to feel like home?

A: At first it felt like Illinois was home and KU was just school. Now I call both places home. I came here knowing nobody and built my own family of friends, professors and mentors. I can’t imagine my life without the people I’ve connected with here.

Q: How would you describe KU in three words?

A: Spirited, transformative and home.

Q: What do you tell friends back home about KU?

A: I always tell my friends that KU is my favorite place on earth. It’s my version of Disneyworld, and I just love it here. There’s something special about KU — the spirit, the people, and the opportunities. It’s a place where you can gain independence, step out of your comfort zone, and experience new things.

Q: How has KU changed you?

A: I’ve gained a lot of independence by being far from home. I wasn’t very independent when I came to college, but you realize you’re capable of so much more than you think. Leadership opportunities have also helped me grow.

Q: What are your favorite spots in Lawrence or on campus?

A: Jefferson’s on Mass Street, football games at “the Booth,” and Sylas and Maddy’s for ice cream.

Q: What advice would you give students from Illinois considering KU?

A: KU seems far, but it isn’t. There are so many students from Illinois here! I’ve met more students from Illinois than any other state. KU gives you the chance to gain independence, get out of your comfort zone and experience new things. It has so much to offer academically and socially for personal growth.