Traveling around the world on Immersion, Study Abroad, and SEED trips has shown me that this world is far bigger than my little corner of West Michigan, yet our God is exceedingly big enough that He can still hold it all in His Hands. Diving whole-heartedly into my academics proved that I can use the unique skill-set He blessed me with to bless others. Repping the Orange and Blue on volleyball courts across the nation taught me that I am stronger than I ever thought and that servant-leadership is what Jesus demonstrated for us and what we must do for others. So thank you, Hope College, for everything the past four years.
Amanda Miller
My favorite memory at Hope College includes working for and studying within the Education Department where I was able to be both challenged and inspired by so many wonderful professors. The Education Department also offered me the unique opportunity to student teach off-campus in Denver, Colorado – I am now preparing to move to Colorado and continue to pursue my dream as an educator!
Areal Tolsma
I am beyond grateful for my Hope College experience. I think specifically of the Hope College Swim and Dive family, the Hope College Orchestra, and the incredible professors who challenged me to think beyond, and to think deep. Even year every year. Let’s go Dutch. Spera in Deo.
Ally Buckley
Many of my favorite Hope College memories have involved members of the Education Department. These are the people I spent many long nights working alongside, ate Saturday morning Tech Team breakfasts with, and talked for hours over coffee with. We bonded over our passion for teaching and our love for kids while helping each other continue to grow. Within this department, I built stronger connections with professors than I ever could have imagined. I am forever grateful for the teacher and learner these people have helped me become.
Jillian Wade
There are so many things that I love about Hope College, however I’d have to say that most of my favorite memories have all been because of Chapel Choir.
All of my best friends are from Chapel Choir, I met my wonderful boyfriend, Scott, in Chapel Choir, and three of my greatest role models and mentors (Dr. Richmond, Prof Wolfe, and Dr. Dekker) directed me in Chapel Choir. Even though my time in CC did not follow a normal path by any means, I’m grateful for everything that happened and everyone that I met. South Africa and Vespers are two highlights that stand out to me in particular!
I’m positive that I’ll carry my CC memories with me through life, along with my sweet sweet friends.
Brenner Wallace
Many (although certainly not most) of my favorite moments from the past four years took place at Lemonjello’s. Some of them were moments of immense stress, as I finished papers or confessed sins over black coffee. Some of them were moments of profound beauty, as I wrote poems or developed friendships. I’ll never forget the dramatic impact that this coffee shop has had on my life. Long live the Gnomes!
Kelly Peregrine
Running for Hope Cross Country taught me what it means to be a Christian.
Together, we ran the race set before us, and along the way we discovered the true warriors God created us to be. I had moments where I could feel the Lord delighting in my talents. I also recall workouts where I was at the edge of my physical limit, but my teammates pushed me on, like Jesus lifting my face, saying “you were made for more”. I realized that I cannot reach my full potential alone; thank you for seeing in me what my Creator sees. Ubuntu; I am because we are. We rode the Pain Train together, searching for the very best in each other and fighting for those four undefeated years at the MIAA Champs.
Romans 5:3-5 reminds us that we endure and even rejoice in our suffering, because we have hope that our struggle is never in vain, and that Jesus is at the finish line, ready to take us in his arms and say, “well done, good and faithful servant”.
Run the race, class of 2020, fixing your eyes on Jesus!
Jessica McAlpine
When I think of my time at Hope, I will forever remember Hope as the place that turned me into a teacher. From meeting my life long pals during class, to learning lessons I will take with me way beyond the classroom from some pretty incredible professors. Hope will forever have a special place in my heart.
Madison Herfurth
The Emmaus Scholars program and the friends that became family will always be one of my favorite Hop Col memories. Thank you Riley, Ash, Caleb, Mitch, Joe, Alli, Matt, Emmie, Mackenzie and the many other Emmaus Scholars for shaping my time at Hope and the way I view the world. Praise Jesus that he is a God of hope and redemption, and that he is at work in this world. & until the day that he does return and restore our hearts and bodies, we pray come, Lord Jesus. Amen!
Skylar Miller
Hope College has helped me build friendships that will last a lifetime. Winning a national championship in 2018 with my best friends was the highlight of my time here at Hope.