Parent to Parent: How do we help our students in the summer?

Written By: Amy Freehafer, Senior Academic and Career Advisor

Hard to believe the 2018-2019 school year is coming to a close! If you are like me, you have mixed feelings about your student returning home for the summer. In my own experience, as much as I looked forward to this time it was not without its challenges. For me, it was that my child did not come home because she was busy taking on internships each summer. Because she wanted to gain experience in her field (engineering) it also meant she never really had down time over the five years she was in undergrad. I write this post to help both students and their parents make the summer time a positive experience!

In my work with students, I find they have considerable anxiety about the summer months. Worried they will not be making the best use of their time, getting behind in their preparation for career path, and even scared to tell family and friends they do not yet know what they want to do with their lives. Here are some things I found helpful as a parent and use in my work with students here at Hope:

  • Ask open ended questions: “How was your first year at Hope?” “What were the highs and lows?” “What are you excited for this coming year?” “What are you most interested in learning about” When we ask questions vs. making statements it helps our students critically think and keeps us open to extended conversation and ways to connect.
  • Students feel a lot of pressure to live up to high expectations they believe we have as parents. Help lighten that for them by expressing how proud you are of them getting through this year (maybe first year) of college. Ask how you can be more supportive in the process of being a student.
  • Connect your student to your friends and family and suggest they shadow a few people over the summer. You want to choose those who will give your student a good experience and be honest with them about the ins and outs of their work. This will also help them begin their own professional network and see what is out there.
  • Suggest they consider working on a resume, see the handout on our website, begin working on their LinkedIn profile, or work on their Handshake account and explore opportunities for internships and jobs in the future.
  • Not everyone needs to do an internship this summer! Some students are not there yet. Help your student understand that any work experience is professional experience and support what they decide to do. Help them see the skills they are building no matter what the experience is. If they are interning, help them reflect on the experience.
  • I learned that my daughter often took on too much and felt the need to perform at a high level in everything. Many Hope students feel that way too. I found it helpful to start conversations with “What can I take off your plate or give you permission to remove?” Followed up by “What can you give yourself permission to let go of?” This helped her learn how to move from relying on me to relying on herself.

Use this time to understand your student, appreciate the connection you are making, and help them see the major/career discernment process is just that, a process. We did not have it all figured out at 18 or 20. Let them see that and it will help them relax and head down their path with support!

The Boerigter Center Goes to Washington!

Written By: Shonn Colbrunn, Executive Director, Boerigter Center for Calling and Career

This week I had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. along with fellow Boerigter Center team members Matt Adkins and Chanda Slenk. We joined Dr. Scott VanderStoep, Dean of Social Sciences, and Dr. Tom Smith, the Dr. Leon A. Bosch ’29 Professor of Management, for two days of meetings and events related to Hope’s Washington Honors Semester.

Currently in its 44th year, the Washington Honors Semester draws around 25 students every spring to live, work, and learn in our nation’s capital. This year’s students are led by Dr. David Ryden, the Peter C. and Emajean Cook Professor of Political Science.

I was very excited to get a first-hand look at this program and see why it has been so successful for so long. In addition, I was very interested to learn more about the internship and job opportunities available to our students.

Members of the Boerigter Center team with Congressman Bill Huizenga

On Tuesday, we visited three internship sites: the office of Michigan Senator Gary Peters, the Heritage Foundation, and the office of Congressman Bill Huizenga. At each visit, we spoke with our students and their supervisors about their internship experience. As we talked with Bill Huizenga, he shared his appreciation for Hope interns – which says something coming from a Calvin grad!

On Wednesday, we participated with the students in their regular weekly public policy group interviews, where they get a chance to visit various organizations in D.C. and learn first-hand from their expertise. Finally, we attended an evening reception with alumni, parents, prospective families, and friends of the college. It was a great chance for our students to meet our alumni who have built their careers in the D.C. area. One special guest was our president elect, Matt Scogin, who shared words of welcome and excitement for things to come.

There are three main things I took away from this trip:

  • Our students are getting an AMAZING learning experiences. I was so impressed by the level of work our students get to do as interns. Their supervisors entrust them with important responsibilities, and they had many positive things to say about their job performance. The first thing I think about is the quality of the bullet points they will be able to add to their resumes! When you add in the exposure of living in a major city and their invigorating class discussions with Dr. Ryden, it is clear that students are having a rich learning and growing experience.
  • We have the potential to expand internship opportunities. During our visit, we wanted to get a feel for what internship opportunities would be relevant for students studying in fields other than political science. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that many of the opportunities are applicable to students studying business, economics, communications, history, and other subjects. Beyond those opportunities, I learned about even more from our local alumni.

Which leads me to my next point…

  • Our alumni base is strong – and energized! Washington D.C. is a city that attracts alumni of all ages, and I enjoyed meeting many of them on Wednesday evening. Abby Reeg from the Hope College Development Office has done an excellent job of staying connected with our alumni in the area. Also, in our internship site visits, I was happy to hear how strong of a reputation Hope has in the city. Clearly, our students and alumni have represented the college well over the years!

I’m looking forward to more students participating in the Washington Honors Semester in the years to come. It is truly a special program that brings Hope’s mission to life – preparing students for lives of leadership and service.

An Alumni Perspective: Working with City Year, Marissa Jackson (’11)

Throughout her time at Hope, Marissa Jackson (’11) performed with the pom-pom dance squad, socialized with the Sigma Sigma sorority, moraled for Odd Year Pull, worked at Phelps dining hall, and participated in the Phelps Scholars program. After four years, Marissa departed Hope with her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and endless valuable experiences.

Odd Year Pull — Marissa Jackson pictured far right.

When asked about her most memorable experience, Marissa talked about a May term trip to the Rosebud Indian Reservation where the disciplines of social work and education came together in an immersive experience. This trip was influential in supporting her original plan to become a school social worker. As her senior year approached and the expectations of graduation intensified, Marissa started the search for a career post-graduation. In the fall of her senior year, she was able to land a job with City Year, which is a member of AmeriCorps. City Year strives to support students and schools in achieving growth and achievement. Upon reading the job description, she knew this is what she wanted to do. She was compelled by the service-oriented work environment and moved west to Los Angeles to begin her journey after graduation.

Marissa now works as the senior program manager with City Year. In this position, she works in partnership with a K-8 school and ensures that the program and services are running well. She said that the most exciting part of her job is getting the opportunity to interact with students in a wide range of grades within a variety of settings. Throughout her day, Marissa can be found forming relationships in the mornings, in the classrooms, and after school. Additionally, she oversees a small group of AmeriCorps members who are between ages 17 and 25. As they venture to a transitional point in their lives, Marissa provides guidance and mentorship.

Marissa (left) with one of best friends from Hope College and CityYear.

To graduates looking to carve their own path, Marissa advises “to be open to opportunities you wouldn’t originally consider. Say yes if it feels right. Stand your ground and be confident.”

Marissa’s expansive campus involvement while at Hope helped her develop transferable skills such as time management and networking. These experiences  and tools helped her stand strong in her passion of serving and helping others. With time, her perseverance led to a desirable and meaningful career with City Year.

Journey to Finding a Major – Addison Huss (’19)

The path of deciding a major is a stressful and confusing one for many, myself included. When I first came to Hope, I felt the weight of the decision in front of me. Although I knew from a fairly young age what I wanted to do when I grew up, I didn’t know what major, classes, or experiences I would need to be able to successfully reach the point of my dream job.

In high school I discovered my passion for helping others through mission trips, volunteering, and coaching. As time went on I found myself specifically interested in the public school system in our country and knew from that point on that I wanted to be a high school guidance counselor when I grew up. Because of this, I enrolled in a few education classes during my first year at Hope, assuming that I would love teaching and hoped to pursue my career in that way. After my first course was over I knew in my heart that teaching was not my calling. Through conversations with my parents, sister, advisor, and other important people in my life, I signed up to take the introduction to social work course. Within days I knew that this was what I was supposed to be doing. I loved the social work professors, the information I was learning, and I recognized the importance of what social workers do. As time went on, I did an abundance of research on what I could do with a social work degree. I learned that there are hundreds of opportunities and areas I could specialize in. Although this was exciting, I still knew that I wanted to be a school counselor, so I did more research on what steps I would have to take next to reach that goal.

As I near the end of my senior year and look back at my time at Hope College, I am so thankful for the people that encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, guided me through the decision-making process, and led to me to the place I am at today. I currently have the opportunity to intern at Hudsonville High School with both the social worker and one of the counselors. This has been the most impactful part of my education because it is giving me hands-on experience. It also has helped me discern that counseling is the route I want to continue to pursue. I am confident in my ability to be successful in my career because of my experience interning and through the education and life experiences I have received from the faculty and staff at Hope.

Although the process of picking a major is daunting, I hope others recognize the goodness found in the journey because it is an opportunity to learn about yourself and the world around you. To those struggling with this process, I encourage you to reach out to advisors, professors, friends, family members, and others and to take the time you need. This is a big decision, but I hope you find peace in knowing that you are not meant to make it on your own.

If you’re struggling with deciding a major, here are 5 steps that might be helpful to you:

  1. Enroll in introductory classes to all of the majors that sound of interest to you just so you can learn a little bit about each!
  2. Reach out to your people (parents, friends, siblings, etc.) and have serious conversations about what excites and interests you.
  3. Set up a meeting with your advisor. They can be SO helpful and knowledgeable about all that Hope has to offer.
  4. Be honest with yourself and trust your gut. You know yourself better than you may think.
  5. PRAY about it!

At the end of the day, every major offers many opportunities. Don’t be afraid to seek out different majors that interest you and take classes you aren’t sure about. The benefit of a liberal arts college is that you get a chance to take classes in various fields of study. You may find you love a subject you never even considered studying. Ask the hard questions and don’t be scared of trying something new.

Still Unsure, But Well Guided Maddy Shupe ’19

Story Written By Guest Blogger: Maddy Shupe ’19

There is only so much to be learned in a classroom. Throughout my Hope experience the most fulfilling and guiding moments have been outside of the classroom and in internships within my area of interest.

In the spring of 2018, I participated in the Washington Honors Semester through the Hope College Political Science Department. The program prepares students for careers within and outside of political science through classes, interviews with Hope grads in the D.C. area, and an internship of the students’ choosing. With an interest in law and human rights, I was blessed to intern with International Justice Mission (IJM). IJM is the largest anti-slavery organization in the world. I got to work and learn alongside people who are passionately making a difference in the world, while supporting them everyday and hearing their stories.

The most beneficial part of this experience was not the work I did daily–it was the people I did it with. My specific role within IJM was nowhere near where I could see myself working in the next 5-10 years. I almost didn’t take the position because I knew that there were other options within and outside of IJM that would be more narrowly tailored to my skills and goals. But I am so glad that I said yes. The key thing I’ve learned about internships and entry level positions is that my specific job title and tasks are insignificant compared to who I am working for and who I am working with.

My internship with IJM allowed me to grab coffee and chat with people that I want to be like in 5-10 years. I was mentored and given advice as to next steps now and after graduation. In large group interviews (similar to the ones I sat in with my Hope College peers) I got to learn about the different roles and positions that make up a large international non-profit. I learned that even though my heart is pulled toward non-profit work, I should go into corporate or government first to get well trained and gain more experience. I learned that I can have a career in law and have a family, and a social life! I learned that I can wake up and be excited to go to work as long as I enjoy the people I work with and who I am working for (i.e. firm matters, position doesn’t).

Since working at IJM, I have started an internship at a firm in Zeeland, as well as shadowed a District Court Judge in Kalamazoo through the DiscoverWork Program. Both experiences have cemented my view–in very different ways–that people matter when it comes to career discernment. The most fruitful times have been when my supervisor and I are chatting while shredding paper, or sitting in Judge Hemingway’s office talking about how she prepares to sit on the bench. I have been blessed with so many mentors that have given me advice and listen to me process next steps, and it is because of them that I am where I stand today:

Still unsure of what’s next, but well guided.

 

Ten Reasons to Come to the Internship Fair

An internship can be a great experience to launch you into a career later on and build lasting connections and skills. In short, here are 10 reasons why you should come to the internship fair this coming Wednesday:

1. Gain great work experience

This one is pretty obvious, but you have the chance to work in a field of your interest while gaining valuable skills and knowledge to discern your future career.

2. NetworkinG

You have the change to meet and connect with many companies and organizations who will be valuable additions to your network at the fair, and an internship will also broaden that network even further.

3. Build your résumé 

An internship on your resume may help you stand out among other applicants for the same position, and the fair gives you a change to get your résumé out to potential employers. Stop by the Boerigter any day Monday through Friday from 3-4:30 PM to get your résumé reviewed.

4. Great for Gap-Years

If you are looking for something short-term after graduation, an internship may be the perfect experience. If you are unsure of the next step, or are planning to start a new job or schooling after the summer, an internship could be a great transition opportunity.

5. understand potential careers and fields

An internship is a great way to see what life is like in a career or field you may be considering. If you aren’t positive about a certain career, an internship can help you discern the future. You may love the internship and decide to pursue a career in that discipline, or you may find something else within the company intriguing and have a chance to connect with people practicing in that area.

6. Get a feel for new industries

Like understanding careers, internships are also the perfect option to find out more about a specific industry you are curious or passionate about.

7. Summer plans

Some internships look for positions available only during the summer. If you don’t have summer plans, an internship may be the way to go. Maybe you’ve been a camp counselor or worked an entry level summer job for the past few summers and are ready for the next step of an internship.

8. Work with diverse and new groups of people

Build and form lasting relationships with people of different backgrounds, education, and experiences. Internships allow you to work in a more real world setting which equips you to interact with people outside of the Hope community.

9. Internships can lead to full employment

Many people are offered positions within a company after an internship experience. The time spent in an internship allows you to get to know people in the company and make a good impression and a great applicant for a full-time position. Doing this can ease the stress of senior year knowing you have a job on lock-down.

10. There will be ‘H’ Cookies!

Need we say more?!

Join us Wednesday, February 27th from 3-5 PM in the Bultman Student Center to connect with employers offering internships. You can find more information and register on Handshake.

An Incredible Summer: Danny Carpenter ’19

Camping, kids, outdoors, fun, and Jesus…what more could you want? Working at a summer camp changed my life for the better and I could not be more thankful.


When I was a freshman at Hope, I stumbled across a recruiting table for Springhill Camps. I had thought about working at a summer camp before, but I really only knew about Camp Geneva here in Holland. When the recruiter, Nick, asked if I wanted to do an ‘on-the-spot-interview’ I said sure. I had no idea that this decision would change the course of my life.

After that interview, I received the job and knew my plans for the next summer: working with a group of middle school boys every week. I was intimidated and excited. I had never been to Springhill before. Part of me wished that I had just applied to Camp Geneva because it was close and comfortable. But the Lord gave me this challenge to grow and meet people outside of my comfort zone and at a place I had never been before.

After the training and orientation jitters and anxieties, I got to bond with the new staff. This was an incredible group of people from all around the country with a passion and love for Jesus and kids. The random group of people on my staff became my people and my tribe for the summer. They were a group where I could truly be myself and the person who God intended me to be. I still thank the Lord for bringing these people near and dear to my heart.

I worked at Springhill for two summers. The first summer I was a general counselor for some of the coolest middle school boys in the whole world, and my second summer I had the honor of being an inclusion counselor for some wonderful campers with special needs. Springhill is truly incredible at including every camper regardless of their physical or mental abilities within the cabins and activities which also teaches campers that God loves every single child and designed them in His image.

A week at camp can be life changing for kids. To be in a place where they are loved by “cabinmates” and counselors, and where they are shown the love of Christ can leave an impact for their whole lives. Camp is a place where kids are accepted for who they are — A place where they can take off the masks that society gives them and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. Not only does camp change the lives of campers, but the staff see their lives change as they experience the joy of new campers every week. Hearts of the counselors change through lessons of patience and hard work.

Life can be messy and sometimes difficult, but God is steadfast. Working at a Christian summer camp taught me many life lessons and stretched me beyond my comfort zone. Life is too short to play it safe and not pursue where God calls us to be. If you are thinking about it, you should apply to change lives through Springhill or another summer camp!

To explore opportunities to work at SpringHill or another summer camp, join us at the Summer Camp & Ministry Fair today from 11AM – 2 PM in the Bultman Student Center. You can learn more on Handshake.

 

Prep Steps for the Internship Fair

“The expert at anything was once a beginner” – Helen Hayes

Did you know that Hope is hosting an Internship Fair on January 30, 2019 from 3-5 pm in the Bultman Student Center? Here are 5 quick tips that will help you prepare:

  1. Do some research

Inside Handshake you will find a list of all the companies that will be at the fair. Find the companies that you are interested in and do further research. Being able to mention a mission statement, or a goal the company is working towards  will help you stand out.

  1. Have a good resume

Your resume is your own personal advertising and marketing tool, making sure that your resume captures everything you have done and want to portray is essential. We recommend printing 10 copies of your resume to the fair. We can help you polish up your document during our drop in hours from 3:00-4:30 pm Monday-Friday at the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career.

  1. Be ready with your elevator pitch

Having only a few minutes to sell yourself can seem intimidating, however you are capable of doing it well! Check out this blog which includes great tips on how to write a great elevator pitch.

  1. Dress the part

Not only can looking good make you feel great and increase your confidence, you may leave the employer with a lasting impression. For this fair we encourage business casual attire. You can get ideas on how to dress from our blog or Pinterest board.

  1. Follow up with the company

When you are done introducing yourself and asking questions make sure to ask for business cards before you leave. If they do not have business cards make sure you ask for the potential employers name so that you can follow up with a thank you note or possibly a LinkedIn connection.

The Internship Fair will be held in the Bultman Student Center on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.  Hope to see you there.

 

My Summer at Camp Geneva: Addison Huss ’19

Thinking about my time at Camp Geneva always brings a smile to my face.  Who knew that three short months could impact your life so much?

Going into my summer, I expected to laugh, grow, and learn a lot, but I didn’t expect this opportunity to impact me as much as it did. I like to say that “camp showed me a little piece of heaven.” The way people encourage and love each other, laugh and play without a care in the world, and worship together is unlike anything I had ever experienced. Campers and staff alike enter into a place of pure joy when they go to Geneva.

My experience at camp was a little different than most because I worked as support staff. At times, this was very frustrating for me because I felt like I wasn’t making as much of an impact on the campers as their counselors were. 

However, this actually ended up being a huge blessing. It gave me the opportunity to pour into both campers and staff. I had the freedom to meet all of the campers, lead bible study for the cabin I was “adopting,” and encourage other support staff and counselors throughout each week.

Camp Geneva is one of the most beautiful places and getting to call it home for a whole summer was so special. The staff became a family, and the cabins became our homes. I will never forget my experience and would encourage those of you looking for an amazing summer opportunity to do the same! 

The Summer Camp and Ministry Fair will be happening in the Bultman Student Center on Wednesday January 23rd from 11AM – 2PM. You can find more information on Handshake.

 

A Critical Thinking Initiative

As you look towards graduation you will likely be challenged by professors, friends, and family to consider the value of your liberal arts degree. With any major, there is a variety of work roles that can utilize the many skills that you have acquired through Hope College’s liberal arts program. One of these important strengths is strong critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking is exercising sound judgement when we analyze and make decisions.

As a Hope College student, you have the unique opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. However, simply attending Hope College does not automatically make you a critical thinker. Being a part of the Critical Thinking Program that the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career is offering would allow you to further develop these very skills and provide proof of them to future employers. Employers and graduate programs highly value candidates with strong critical thinking skills.  This six-week program includes time for reflection on a co-curricular challenge, a course application activity, and a small research-related exercise. This all culminates in a recorded interview where you will convey your critical thinking skills.

Hope College alumni Joey Williams writes about his personal experience with the Critical Thinking Program:

“The Critical Thinking Digital Badge program helped me become a valuable employee to my company. By encouraging me to challenge assumptions outside of the classroom, the Digital Badge program prepared me to become a better researcher, thinker, and analyst for the international healthcare consulting company I currently work for. Additionally, completion of the program showed my employer that I’m intentional about my work and am willing to go the extra mile. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants to challenge themselves and learn beyond the classroom.”

The Critical Thinking Pilot Program starts on January 29th and ends March 9th. The time commitment is about 3-4 hours per week and is very flexible based on your schedule.

Read more on our website and apply soon. There are a limited number of spots and the deadline to apply is Thursday, January 21st. Students will be selected based on their application. You can find the application here. We are excited to offer this great opportunity and hope you consider applying!