Sometimes it feels like freshman year we are dropped off to college and left stranded to figure it all out. There is a sensory overload of new things to see, do, learn and experience. Everything is brand new, from the food at the dining hall to figuring out a future career. If this isn’t the case for everyone, it was the case for me. I am the first child in my household to attend college; although my parents both attended university, their experiences were different from the path I am taking. Being the oldest daughter of a six-kid family holds great responsibility. I am supposed to be a role model for the brothers and sisters who are younger than me, as well as create my future. I am beyond grateful for the Hope College experience. The campus has so much to offer and so many opportunities I have been able to take advantage of.
Returning to my freshman year, Dr. Ellen Awad was my freshman-year advisor and my first-year seminar (FYS) professor. Each new student is enrolled in an FYS course and that professor is also the advisor who helps them transition into college and assists in navigating their future. Presently, I still use my first-year advisor as a resource. I have formed a relationship with her, and I am comfortable going to her with the many questions that I have. My advisor was the first of many people to get involved with my future.
As students advance in their college careers and declare a major, we are assigned a new advisor from that specific department. I am on track to declare a business major with a minor in communication and I will have the opportunity to speak with advisors in both departments. The thing about Hope is everyone is willing to help. I have had many conversations with staff members as I was debating between majors, deciding where to study abroad and considering what activities to get involved with on campus.
I am a member of Residential Life on campus, as a returning residential assistant (RA) to Kollen Hall this year. I have lived in Kollen Hall for all three years of my college experience. During freshman year I was a resident, then sophomore year as an RA and as a junior I am the first semester RA on the first floor. Being an RA is one of my favorite opportunities I have had at Hope College. I have fostered my leadership skills and developed greater respect and patience for the residents around me. Residential Life has grown my network of professionals on campus. I have worked with DAR, Dining, Res Life pro staff, Student Life and Campus Safety. This higher-level network has introduced me to professionals who inspire me in my career aspirations as well as support me in my college journey. I encourage everyone who is interested to apply for Residential Life. The experience is beneficial at a personal level as well as a professional level.
Currently, I am a junior, declaring to be a business major with a communication minor. I am in the position of researching internship opportunities and filling out countless applications. The task of acquiring the right internship that will provide helpful experience for a future career is daunting. Hope has several events and resources on campus that students are invited to participate in. Throughout the year there are internship presentations, alumni panels and speakers who are invited to campus to educate students on opportunities at their firms, as well as provide advice that applies to their field. Also, each semester there is a Career Fair that gives students exposure to top companies that provide information about career opportunities and resumes for future interviews. There is no shortage of events happening on campus. Each department is intentional about exposing students to future opportunities.
Hope College is truly one of my favorite places to be. Aside from the beautiful campus and the welcoming environment, I have been encouraged to grow as a student. Looking back on who I was as a freshman, to who I am now as a junior, I have been exposed to professionals, internship opportunities and careers. I have changed my perspective from uncertainty to confidence because of the support system at Hope College. For the students who feel like they don’t know where to go next, everything will be fine. I was in that same position years ago. All you have to do is start; start the conversation with your advisor, a professor or your RA. The network at Hope is committed to helping students navigate their challenging futures. Embrace the space that you are in. It might not seem easy, but like me and other students around me, you will grow and excel in your future.