------------------------------------ people----------------------------------------- Graduate students John Wrye and Jimmy Hinton study in the student center. Even though he attended the Harding University Gradu– ate School of Religion in Memphis, Hinton chose to reside in Searcy because of the atmosphere. (Photo by Russell Keck) • s To most, Memphis was the home of rock 'n' roll and barbecue. But to some it was a place of study and hard work. Memphis did not seem like a long drive for students traveling to a concert or a sporting event. However, the 125-mile drive got longer and longer for the students who commuted on a regul3f basis to the Harding University Graduate School of Religion. HUGSR student Jimmy Hinton decided to remain in Searcy because he liked the living environment the small community provided. "1 love the abnosphere of just being on campus in Searcy, maybe because of the close friendships I have developed," Hinton said. "Harding in Searcy is somewhat more personal." The reasons HUGSR commuters chose to stay inSearcy as opposed to moving to the Memphis area varied. "The cost of living inSearcy is a lot better than that of the Memphis area," graduate student Hobby Chapin said . Rent in Searcy averaged around $325 to $495 a month for a two-bedroom apartment, but the same size apartment in Memphis cost up to twice as much. Some of the students also had jobs in Searcy, which kept them tied to the area. "I have a job on campus, and I like it a lot that I can maintain the same ties with people that I had as [an undergraduatel student at Harding," Hinton said. The thought of commuting to Memphis every day for classes bothered some. Some chose to manipulate their schedules to prevent everyday commuting. Students arranged their schedules with classes on consecutive days, so travel could bedone only once a week. "I have two classes on Thursdays and one class on Fridays," Hinton said. "I am lucky because 1 have family in Memphis and can stay with them on Thursday nights." Graduate student John Hawkins also had consecutive classes, which made his commute more convenient. "I love the atmosphere of just being oncampusm Searcy." -graduate student Jimmy Hinton "It's easier for me because I can drive up once a week instead of daily," Hawkins said. "Sometimes I can carpool with other students making it even more convenient." Fellowship with students in Searcy also made the drive worthwhile for Hawkins. "I can maintain friendships with undergraduates at Harding in Searcy, becloser to my girlfriend and still attend HUGSR," Hawkins said. graduate & fall international students /I 125
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