Vol. 11, Issue 4, Winter, 2016

College News

A publication for Alumni & Friends

MY STORY ELEANOR | CLASS OF 2015 Presidential Transition Team Report

The Kuyper College Board of Trustees recently welcomed Dr. Carl Zylstra to Kuyper College as interim president. This milestone provides a good opportunity to reflect on the process that led to this decision and also provides a natural juncture to look forward to what lies ahead.

A LOOK BACK After Dr. Nick Kroeze announced his retirement plans more than a year ago, the College Board of Trustees commissioned a Presidential Transition Team (PTT) of 10 members to conduct a search for the next President of Kuyper College. After a period of due diligence, the PTT recommended to the Board that the College retain the services of a college leadership search firm—JobFitMatters (JFM). JFM conducted surveys to gather Eleanor, class of 2015, teaches English at a college in Laos. For purposes of confidentiality, information from college constituents. Their her last name and sending organization’s name have been omitted. staff also spent time on campus interviewing individuals to gain a clear picture of Kuyper TEACHING IN LAOS College’s identity and values. Based on all gathered information, JFM I was raised by Christian parents, attending VBS, AWANA, and the PTT created a profile of the desired youth group—the whole nine yards. My five sisters and I were qualifications of the next president, which led to the gathering of several applications from homeschooled by our mom while my dad worked. There wasn’t qualified candidates who were interviewed really a time in my life that I can say was strictly “before Christ” during November and December. However, for me. The name of Jesus was one I knew from childhood. circumstances regarding the PTT’s interview of final candidates prompted a temporary I heard the classic Old Testament stories really alive. I became fascinated with the pause of the search process. As such, the growing up. I knew the basic “should” Bible and its intricacies as I listened to my PTT recommended to the Board of Trustees and “should nots” of being a Christian. professors and my classmates talk about that an interim president be considered. The And I was really good at following rules. their experiences with God. I was driven Board agreed and decided to look for an It wasn’t until I came to Kuyper though, a toward the field of overseas work as the interim president that fit two criteria: The school where I saw people my own age who Father placed new friends into my life who individual needed to be available to start in were actually passionate about a personal were pursuing living and working abroad. January and had to wholeheartedly believe relationship with God and not simply in, and be committed to, the mission of following a set of rules, that my faith became See LAOS, Page 4 Kuyper College. See REPORT, Page 7 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT From the Other Side of the Office Door “Transition” is the word of the day at Kuyper College. This reality is most apparent in the transition to new leadership in the President’s Office—an event I am most excited about! Transition in leadership can provide opportunity for applying fresh energy and vision to the mission we hold so dear and so enthusiastically: training students for lives of ministry and service!

I feel very strongly about this mission ranged from International Adoptions to one-by-one, to receive their diploma, and then (“precious” is how I feel about it) and am both Muslim Hospitality to Albino Killings in the College lamp, is immensely rewarding and humbled and thrilled to have been part of it Tanzania. What impressed us was the level of motivational! during my presidency. This thought draws me maturity, spiritual sensitivity and professional I am grateful to each one of you reading this to encourage you not to think so much about preparation seen in, especially, those students newsletter for the role you have had in making the presidential transition as about the more who, just a couple of years ago, began their these transitions a wonderful reality in the fundamental transitions that occur at the freshman year with timidity and uncertainty. context of Kuyper College. Thank you for your College every day. The conversation we had about these support and encouragement before, during The transitions I am referring to are those transitions underscored the degree of impact and now after my years as president. I hope that occur in the lives of our students. I was an institution can have on students when the you are even more excited toward the future reflecting on this thought with a group of atmosphere on campus is one of love, care, as more students come to Kuyper because of faculty and staff around the coffee table as respect and honoring of each other as children God’s call on their lives. For my part, I am we spoke about the “Global Awareness and of God. I saw this daily in interactions excited to join you as an ongoing supporter of Advocacy Day” held on campus. For this between students, with faculty and through the College from “the other side” of the office event, students prepared poster presentations, staff who always care about “coming door! My thanks and God’s blessings to you. dressed in business attire, and stationed alongside” to strengthen and encourage themselves around the school, ready to another person. This is one of the reasons why interact with visitors to their poster and commencement each spring is such a joy: explain further the message they were trying the growth—the transition—we see in each Dr. Nicholas V. Kroeze to communicate. Thirty different topics graduate as they walk across the platform, Retiring President

A Time of Transition Transitions can be fun. How great to be able to have a newsletter like the current transition the long standing this where we look back over the presidency of Nicholas Kroeze with mission of Kuyper College will be enthusiasm and gratitude. To be grateful for the great faculty and staff. secure. There is just no possibility that To admire the stunning campus. To reflect on the strong academic the single-minded dedication of service programs that have launched lives of service and ministry for almost and ministry to which Kuyper has been 80 years. Transitions are also times to pause, be thankful, and praise the committed for almost eight decades will Lord from whom all these blessings flow. continue to be less than robust.

But transitions can also be a little unsettling. We wonder what the future In fact, the only reason for Kuyper will be like. We think about the changing economic environments. We College’s mission to change now would Dr. Carl Zylstra even get a bit unnerved as politicians hold forth with their latest ideas be if our Lord suddenly returns and Interim President about how education should be shaped. So perhaps, we can be forgiven if completes His Kingdom once and for all we wind up being a little apprehensive during a time of transition. eternity. Should that occur, we’ll all be rejoicing. But until then, the However, as an interim president who will be here only during mission of this College will be ever more needed for the greater glory the transition to the next long-term leader of Kuyper College, I’m of the Savior to whom we offer our praise. And not only praise for convinced that a transition should be a time of joy and hope. Yes, the past but, even as we transition, also joyful praise and a promise of there will be changes. But I have absolutely no doubt that throughout renewed dedication and service for the future as well.

2 KUYPER COLLEGE NEWS STEWARDSHIP IN MY WORDS How to Be An Offering What Kuyper “Today, I watched a teenage boy help an elderly woman with a cane onto the city bus I was riding. He was so College Has careful with her, assisting her every step of the way. The woman had the biggest smile on her face. They both Meant to Me sat directly across from me, and just as I was about to I’ve spent a third of my life at Reformed Bible compliment her for having such a wonderful grandson, College and Kuyper College. When I joined the Dawn Lynema the boy looked at her and said, ‘My name is Chris. staff in 1996, I never thought I would stay as long What’s your name, ma’am?’”* Assistant to the President as I did. But this place—the kids, the staff and the The fundamental truth in this story is that Chris understood of Kuyper College faculty—became part of me. I want to share with that generosity isn’t always about what you give, but actually you what Kuyper College has meant to me. being the gift. According to Romans 12:1, we are the offering: • Compassion—We all know what it is to have compassion for someone, “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” but to be on the receiving end is indescribable. • Grace—The people here are grace givers! The faculty, staff and students come alongside everyone. I’ve never witnessed the full power of grace like I have here. • Abounding Grace—I know I mentioned grace before, but it is SO much bigger than just one sentence. • Prayer and Answered Prayer—Over the years we have prayed for many, many things: students to come to Kuyper, students on trips, students who are struggling, for the work of staff and faculty, for those experiencing heartache and loss, and financial situations. To know that here we come face-to-face with our God, who not only hears our prayers, but answers them over and over, and above anything we could ever imagine, is very special. • Joy, Laughter and Energy—Each fall the College is renewed with this gift through the students who give this place life. They leave in early May In his book Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado makes some and, after a summer of gearing up for another year, the students bring the powerful statements about how we can be an offering to College back to life. This is something I’ve looked forward to each and the world: every year, and I have never been disappointed. • “No one can do everything, but everyone can do • Caring—People who take an interest in the lives of others. Each morning something.” Sometimes being an offering is synonymous as I come into my office I am greeted by the sounds of faculty and staff as with becoming a missionary halfway around the world. But they sit for a moment before the day begins to share what is going on in for others, like the widow represented in Mark 12, giving their lives. “two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents” is • Meeting New People—In twenty years, I’ve been blessed to meet new a powerful story of giving all. It wasn’t what she gave that staff and faculty with new programs and ideas, and have witnessed God’s mattered, but the posture of her heart. plan firsthand as people, and their programs and ideas, come together. • “Compassion has a dozen advocates. But for the • Saying Goodbye to Old Friends—Along with meeting new people, Christian, none is higher than this: when we love those there have been times of saying goodbye. This is always difficult because in need, we are loving Jesus.” Find a place you can move we get to know each other so well. Every staff member makes an impact toward others with the love of Christ—perhaps a homeless and touches the hearts of so many. shelter, neighborhood outreach, or your very own living • Hope—I have seen it in the eyes of new students coming each fall to learn room. Simply taking action is an offering. all they can for their major and mission, and then again in the eyes of • “Here’s a salute to a long good life: goodness that outlives graduates each spring as they go out to change their part of the world. the grave.” A practical way you can live generously is • And Lastly, the Greatest—Love! I have learned to deeply love this to have an up-to-date estate plan that provides for your institution, its mission and the people who work here. I am so thankful loved ones and the ministries you care about like Kuyper College. This offering will not only outlive the grave, but that God placed Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, , for His impact lives for generations to come. purpose and, most of all, His glory. Kuyper College has modeled all these things for eight decades to everyone it For information on estate planning, contact Ken Capisciolto at [email protected] or at 616.988.3676. has touched. I’m grateful I had the privilege of working here. *A reader’s comment on makesmethink.com Note: After a 20-year career at Kuyper, Dawn Lynema retired on December 22, 2016.

BRINGING GOD’S GRACE INTO TODAY’S CULTURE 3 Eleanor teaching vowels with Total Physical Response (TPR) short vowels—squat and long vowels—stand

LAOS from Page 1 body of Christ. As an English major, my intent now, after having lived there for a year, I have was to go on to grad school after getting my trouble reconciling the reality I know there During high school I was set on attending Kuyper degree and be an English professor. with the reality I know here. Calvin. Yet, my mom wanted me to apply to as But when I was introduced to the Kuyper In Laos I saw poverty and need like I had many schools as possible, so I agreed to go to TESOL program, I became more and more never seen before. I visited a village that a college fair and look at some more options. passionate about using my love of English and looked like something out of a National There, I met a really friendly admissions of teaching to help speakers of other languages Geographic magazine where most people are counselor from Kuyper who convinced me to who are studying English. subsistence farmers, growing rice in the rainy fill out the free application online and check In the summer between my junior and senior season and baking bricks in the sun during it out. So I did, thinking nothing of it. Then I year, I did both my internships for my English the hot season. I met Laotian college students was invited to come compete for the Trustee major and for the TESOL minor. The second my age whose life experiences couldn’t be Scholarship. On visiting Kuyper, I came to half of my summer I spent teaching English more different than mine. I also saw beauty, love the faculty and the size of the school, in Hong Kong to middle schoolers. This was in people and in nature, incomparable to any especially the classroom sizes. I was excited my first time in front of a classroom that was I had experienced before. The people of Laos at the thought of having real relationships completely my own—teaching students of a were kind, thoughtful, generous, loving and with my professors and not being just another different culture. It was one of the most thrilling sincere. So even though this place was so face in a lecture hall. I also remember having experiences of my life. I doubted my own foreign to me, I loved it from day one. a really good conversation with two of the strength and confidence each day as I walked to professors in the English department. I didn’t After graduating from Kuyper and spending the classroom. But through that experience and two months of training and three weeks of get attention like that at any of the other the time I spent at Kuyper, I came to find my intensive learning of the Laotian language, schools I visited. I left knowing that if I got life’s passion—my love of teaching and my love I became a real English teacher at a college the scholarship, I was going to Kuyper. I of helping the needy, especially strangers and in Laos, teaching students in both the remember checking the mail the day the letter people of other cultures. came and waving it in the air and saying—“I English Education and Primary Education won.” All thoughts of Calvin were forgotten. I After my time teaching in Hong Kong, the departments. I also continued to study the was going to Kuyper. organization I was teaching with took all the language several times a week as well as have teachers on different trips to get the vision sessions of professional development and The small community at Kuyper, though for teaching with them long term in another mentoring. With all of this happening the first not without its struggles, helped me create country. I had signed up so late for the trip term of teaching was a blur. I was just learning awesome relationships. I knew everyone’s that they put me on the last vision trip they to tread the waters of culture, language, name on campus and found I could talk to had space for in Laos. I had heard the name new job, new house, new community, new anyone about anything. I met some of my best before and knew it was a country, but I had to everything. I struggled with my confidence friends at Kuyper. The community fostered look at a map to see where it was. Hong Kong as a teacher and felt like I would never be things like spontaneous worship, joy in acts had been an exciting, busy city filled with able to speak Laotian. However, the one thing of service, spurring each other on in our many Western comforts and conveniences. that I was confident of was the relationships knowledge and love of God, and a love for the Laos was a completely different world. Even with my students. The class I taught the

4 KUYPER COLLEGE NEWS “After an afternoon of stuffing ourselves on water buffalo meat and noodle soup, we drove back to the college on our motorbikes with the sun setting behind the mountains that surrounded us. I had a sense that this wasn’t my last Christmas in Laos. With that realization came some relief. The decision had been made, I felt excited about the thought of another year of adventure, but also felt a twinge of apprehension knowing the challenges awaiting me in this abundantly rewarding life.”

Getting around in Laos most frequently both terms this past year was a class of year-three English education majors. They had had three foreign teachers from my organization before, but for this class of maybe 70 percent girls, I was their first female foreign teacher. Those girls were ready for me, and I was ready for them. A number of them lived on campus this year, so they started visiting my house within the first week of classes. I would get invited to watch their volleyball matches or come home with them for a weekend to meet their families. Some of our regular activities together involve hiking the mountains nearby or jogging on the bridge that crosses the city’s river, playing UNO at my house or baking brownies together, visiting waterfalls for a picnic and swimming, them laughing at me when I can’t eat much of their spicy food, or simply sitting on the porch outside the dorm singing sappy American pop songs together.

It was on Christmas day that I felt the tug to stay in Laos another year. We had been invited to a student’s village that day to share a meal with his family. After an afternoon of stuffing ourselves on water buffalo meat and noodle soup, we drove back to the college on our motorbikes with the sun setting behind the mountains that surrounded us. I had a sense that this wasn’t my last Christmas in Laos. With that realization came some relief. The decision had been made, I felt excited about the thought of another year of adventure, but also felt a twinge of apprehension knowing the challenges awaiting me in this abundantly rewarding life.

Second term, I came back from a few weeks of vacation feeling re- energized and excited at the reception I got from my students when we were reunited. I felt like a better teacher because I had the same students, and I knew how to meet their needs at their level. I already had student Eleanor and friend exploring the countryside on a day off friendships that could only get better. I poured myself more and more into language learning because now it felt like home, and I didn’t want to resist settling in anymore.

At the end of the year, when it came time to pack the house and leave for the States, I didn’t want to go. What a stark contrast to the feelings I had throughout my first term in Laos. It was now my second home. So, as my second year in Laos starts, I have two places to love and live. Two sets of people that I want to do life with. When I first realized that this was my life now, I wondered if it was worth it—to always be homesick no matter where I was, because half of the people I love will always be somewhere else. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Teaching English in Laos is the Eleanor surrounded by all her students most worthwhile and rewarding thing I have ever done.

BRINGING GOD’S GRACE INTO TODAY’S CULTURE 5 Dr. Nicholas V. Kroeze—A Look Back

Upon the announcement of the retirement that enable people responding to God’s call of the top programs in the state so graduates of Dr. Edwin D. Roels in 1995, the school to concentrate more on training and less on receive advanced standing at many graduate began its search for a new president. After financing.” schools, saving them both time and money reviewing a wide range of applicants, as they pursue their graduate degrees. At commencement in 1996, Dr. Kroeze the search committee started a new tradition: presenting graduates While many programs were added and recommended with a candleholder. The lamps symbolized changes were made during Dr. Kroeze’s Dr. Nicholas Kroeze to the College’s challenge to its graduates: “go, tenure, one of the most successful, and the board of trustees. and let your light shine.” President Kroeze now enduring, is the MERGE Experience Speaking of the designed the current version of the lamps, launched during the 2011–2012 school appointment, the late which contain seven different types of wood. year. A unique, first-of-its-kind program, Dr. Roger Greenway, Each wood represents a different continent MERGE is designed to help incoming the search committee Dr. Nicholas of the world and is symbolic of the College’s students enter into the world of college V. Kroeze chairman, said: “The emphasis on missions and diversity—around life and academic responsibilities. The Kuyper President decision to name Dr. the world and within the student body. MERGE Experience challenges students 1995—2017 Kroeze was reached after a great deal of prayer In 1997, after Reformed Bible College to develop awareness of their own culture, and deliberation. We were looking for a received approval to begin offering Bachelor attitude toward cultural differences, cultural man of God who had a contagious faith of Science degrees to graduates, new and knowledge and understanding. Students are and a missionary vision. And we believe existing course offerings and academic also encouraged to engage in an active and that we have found such a man.” And majors were developed and expanded. The disciplined learning process by developing now, after 22 years of service, and with the school soon received permission to grant the foundation of critical thinking. By imminent retirement of Kuyper College’s a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. knowing themselves and understanding fourth president, the faith that the search When the Council on Social Work Education their strengths and weaknesses, students committee had that the selection of Dr. accredited the program, RBC was only the are able to analyze, evaluate and discern Kroeze was the right one has been rewarded second Bible college in the nation to offer an meaning and truth from every learning by a praiseworthy career punctuated by many accredited BSW degree. experience, and use their conclusions as guide to belief and action. firsts for the College. RELEVANCE IN A CHANGING WORLD Addressing the College community upon In 2006, RBC faced new challenges. How ACCOMPLISHING HIS WISE WILL his appointment, Dr. Kroeze said, “There would the school continue to be relevant Two years ago, during the 75th anniversary are today three stones of remembrance— in a changing world? The answer was a of the founding of the College, Dr. Kroeze hallmarks for our actions. First, we are to be repositioning strategy which, under the wrote: “ ‘To the only wise God be glory people of prayer. Second, we are to make a leadership of Dr. Kroeze, would meld the forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.’ These commitment to Christian living. And third, mission of the school from its beginning are the words Paul chose to conclude his we are to be a serving community.” And for with preparing students for the ever-evolving letter to the Romans as recorded in Chapter the next 22 years, he has labored to ensure needs of today’s culture. The most visible 16, verse 27. We who have a connection with that those three stones would still stand for element of that strategy was the change Kuyper College, if we were to say we have what they were laid for two decades earlier. of the school’s name to Kuyper College, had success at anything, it is the extent to after the Dutch theologian and statesman which we have witnessed God’s hand in our GO, AND LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE . At the time of the name history and the glory rendered to His name. I Dr. Kroeze ushered the school into a change, Kuyper offered 19 majors, which by believe, in line with Paul, it comes down to a whirlwind of positive changes, while always 2012 had risen to 31 through collaborations keen awareness that it is God who is working guided by the mission and vision of the created with , Calvin in and through every aspect of the College— school. “I am eager to affirm that RBC College, Grand Rapids Community College accomplishing His wise will. This college is highly values and remains dedicated to its and . In addition, about and for Him. We are about seeking calling of locating, encouraging, training an accelerated pre-seminary program was His wisdom. Our celebrations are about His and sending people into full-time kingdom developed with Calvin Theological Seminary glory. These thoughts are what frame our ministry,” he said back then. “We sense a and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary vision of the future.” very clear purpose and desire in serving that allows Kuyper pre-seminary students the church as a unique institution of higher to transfer to either school following their And so, as we bid farewell to the presidency learning. We are privileged to have as our third year at Kuyper College, reducing the of Dr. Nicholas “Nick” Kroeze, we do so with calling and focus such direct involvement in combined length of the two programs from a profound sense of gratitude for his godly global witness. We are privileged too to have seven to six years. Furthermore, the social and wise leadership—“Well done, good and a broad and diverse family of supporters work program has been recognized as one faithful servant.”

6 KUYPER COLLEGE NEWS Community Notes

As alumni, we invite you to get BIRTHS involved and stay in touch by calling • the Alumni Office at 877.229.0941 Jeremy (2015) and Amy (Walvoort) Jensema (2013) welcomed a baby girl, Madelyn Joanne, or sending us an email to into their family on August 30, 2016. [email protected] with your • Nate and Jessica (Monroe) Miller (2012) welcomed a baby girl, Rebecca Marie, into their family contact information or the most on August 31, 2016. recent news about you. For more information on any alumni • Hans (2014) and Erin (Reitveld) Van Veen (2012) welcomed a baby girl, Cora Jean, into their issue, please contact us family on September 24, 2016. at [email protected] or call 877.229.0941.

EVENTS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Lisa (Poll) Rusticus (2008) has been appointed Manager of The Annual Fund and Alumni Spring Break Relations at Kuyper College. Monday, March 6– Friday, March 10 • Rebecca (Sikkes) Vandenhoek (2011) has accepted a position with the Comprehensive Therapy Center as a contract school social worker for special education services.

Honors Convocation and Student Scholar Day Friday, April 7 at 9:00 a.m. NEWS in the Vos Chapel • Dr. Nick Kroeze’s 2016 ArtPrize entry, The Gift-Givers, was voted Top 20 of 3-D entries and is now on display at Calvary Church’s East Beltline campus. Previously, Dr. Kroeze’s entries have Spring Celebration Gala been in the top 100, Top 20 and Top 5. Monday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. • Dr. Judi Ravenhorst Meerman, professor of social work, along with Calvin College professor Rachel Venema, published a case study titled No Room at the Inn in the 5th edition of Spring Recitals Christianity and Social Workbook. Monday, April 17 • Teresa Renkema, professor of intercultural communication, had her proposal for MITESOL at 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday, (Michigan Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) on Creating a Culturally April 18 at 7:00 p.m. Welcoming Environment in the ELL Classroom accepted for publication. in the Vos Chapel • Dr. Jeff Fisher, assistant professor of theological studies, recently presented The OT Editor of the First Published Greek NT: Johannes Oecolampadius and the 500th Anniversary of the Commencement Novum Instrumentum (1516) at the Evangelical Theological Society Annual Conference in Friday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. San Antonio, Texas.

REPORT from Page 1

“Dr. Carl Zylstra not only meets the two identified criteria, but also position at Kuyper. He has spent much of the month of January brings years of college leadership experience, an understanding of meeting with college constituents. He has also communicated his the Reformed faith, and credibility in the Reformed community,” excitement for this new role and is looking forward to God’s leading said Jacque Bolt, Chair of the Kuyper Board of Trustees. “Dr. Zylstra’s in the months ahead. It is important to note that Dr. Zylstra is not a passion and credentials are much more than we asked or hoped for. candidate for the permanent position of president at Kuyper. We can only stand amazed at what God has done so quickly. This was The PTT is continuing the search for the next president by first clearly His plan.” reevaluating the timing and procedures of the search process. Please A LOOK FORWARD continue to pray for Dr. Zylstra, for the Board, and for the continuing Dr. Zylstra has moved to his office on campus and has assumed his work of the Presidential Transition Team.

BRINGING GOD’S GRACE INTO TODAY’S CULTURE 7 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID 3333 East Beltline N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 GRAND RAPIDS, MI (616) 222-3000 | www.kuyper.edu PERMIT NO. 1199

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HANNAH BOER | CLASS OF 2017 Students to Watch I am the youngest of five kids. My mom and dad encouraged me to grow in my faith from a young age, answering my questions and spending time in the Word with me. I have a brother who has autism, and we are best friends. Growing up I loved playing piano and singing. I also enjoy knitting, making puzzles, antique shopping, baking and crafting. My brother and I like to take our dogs for walks and go for bike rides.

I was blessed to have been raised in the church, and God drew me close to In class, I fell in love with business done the right Hannah Boer him in seventh grade. I made my profession of faith in front of the church way, recognizing it as a useful tool for God’s Hudsonville, MI Major: Business when I was 13. This put me on a spiritual high that lasted until high school. kingdom. In my Bible and theology classes I am Leadership It was then that I began to stumble. Life became all about friendships and my continually encouraged to push myself to live in a relationship with my boyfriend. Then, I was severely burned on my legs, and way that is more pleasing to God. my boyfriend broke up with me. I was brought pretty low and became bitter. And I have learned many other lessons. Freshman year—how to deal with After graduation, I had applied at Kuyper and been accepted, but decided conflict in a Christ-like community as well as how to worship God in all to go to another college that was times. Sophomore year—how to build and grow deep friendships with people around me. Junior year—how to be a faithful presence and a good listener, and “I chose Kuyper, cheaper and easier academically. this, my senior year—how to be joyful despite circumstances. and during my freshman However, the summer after my senior year God confronted me All four years I have enjoyed working on campus. I’ve worked in the kitchen, year I received so much with the bitterness I harbored library, Advancement Office, and now I am a resident assistant and student love from the community toward him. I realized that I body president. These last two positions have definitely been my favorites. I love living with a group of girls and learning more about them while I here that I couldn’t believe was at a crossroads—if I chose the one path I would continue am pushed to learn more about community and self-care. With student I had ever thought of going in bitterness, while the other government I really enjoy being pushed to speak publicly, run meetings and somewhere else.” path would lead me to healing. organize groups. I chose Kuyper, and during my As I look back, I see the last four years as some of the best of my life. As I look freshman year I received so much love from the community here that I ahead, I want to work with special needs adults, my brother and his friends couldn’t believe I had ever thought of going somewhere else. I also found having kindled a fire in me for the needs of that community. I’ll discover more so many deep friendships and caring people in the upperclassmen that I as I travel along the path, and I know that Kuyper has fully equipped me to determined I wanted to be like them and help the people around me. love and serve them.