Why YC?

By Cole Satterfield
​@YCcoles

​Wow… who would have thought that the best four years of my life would have come from living in a small town like York, Nebraska? Well, do I have a story for you…

A little over four years ago, I signed my letter of intent to play baseball at York College and my life was changed forever. When I first stepped onto campus for my visit and tryout, I was stunned by how genuine and caring all of the people were. Coming from a big high school, it was kind of foreign to me. The things that sold me on this school were the small town/home atmosphere and the countless times I heard coaches and professors say, “We are not only here for your success in the classroom and on the field, but in the type of person that you become." 

When I moved to York, Nebraska I thought that my life would only consist of class and baseball... and that’s how it was for the first half of my freshman year. But, my second semester that all changed and my experience at YC has been different ever since. Spring of my freshman year, I made the decision to join the Campus PR Squad and “buy in” to the York College experience, after a conversation with my professor, Mr. DiToro. Since then, I’ve hit the ground running and I’ve never looked back.

Whenever people have asked me the question, “Why did you come to YC?” I give them the same answer: “I came to York College for baseball, but I continue to come back because of the people and opportunities for growth." I can honestly say that as a senior, baseball isn’t a top three reason for why I continue to come back year after year. Don’t get my wrong, I love the game of baseball and it’s been a huge part of my life, but since being at York I’ve realized that if you invest into where you go, there is more to college than athletics. At York College, I’ve gone from having no religious background to being baptized my sophomore year. I’ve had tremendous opportunities outside of the classroom such as Study Abroad in Europe, spending the summer traveling to counsel at Christian camps, and meeting life-long friends along the way. The people here truly are what make it so great.

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As a student, I’ve met people that I’ll always cherish such as Clay Lube and Sebastian Rolon. Clay was my resident assistant (RA) in McCloud Hall as a freshman and was my teammate for three years. He’s become like a brother to me and is also a huge reason for why I chose to be baptized and begin my faith walk. One of the pictures that speaks 1,000 words to me is this one here on the right. In this picture, Clay is saying a prayer with me before I enter my first varsity baseball game on the mound. He’s been there for me through everything and will definitely be a groomsmen in my wedding when I’m older.

​My friend, Sebastian Rolon is a sophomore and is one of the most Godly people I know. He’s a huge light on campus and he’s been a huge inspiration in my life despite being two years younger than me. He is also one of my teammates but has become one of my best friends too. I’ve asked him a lot of questions about life and faith, and he’s someone I know I can always count on. Even though I won’t be in York for his last two years of college, I know we will always stay in contact. 

Finally, my business professor Mr. DiToro, has been a huge role model of mine and is one of the reasons why I came to York College. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. DiToro during my campus visit and ever since being on campus, he’s always been there to encourage me, support me, push me to be better and aspire for me when I need motivation. He’s the reason I can proudly say I’m triple majoring and already have some amazing job prospects for after I graduate (like coaching baseball in California or potentially having an opportunity to intern with the Philadelphia Phillies if everything lines up). Without Mr. DiToro’s guidance, support, and drive to see people succeed I wouldn’t be who I am today. 

Whenever you visit campus or hear about York College, you’ll always hear “the people are what make this place so special." This couldn’t be more accurate. York College has some of the most thoughtful, caring, motivating, and God-loving people that I’ve ever met and are invested in everyone’s success. If I had two words to answer the question: “Why YC?”, my answer would be THE PEOPLE.