Dear First-Year Students and Parents…

Every year, I find myself saying “summer has never gone by this fast before!” and every year, I’m convinced that this is the year I really mean that. Yesterday, President Scogin gave his beginning of the year talk to all the professors and faculty.  Today as I’m writing, freshmen are getting moved into their dorms.  At this time of year, I can’t help but think of the incoming students and their parents, each in the midst of their own life transition.  I feel so deeply for myself back then, and for every person stepping onto our campus today.  So here’s a few words of encouragement and advice for you.

Words For Students:

In the first few weeks of school, my biggest advice is for you to be patient and have grace! I remember feeling like things would always be like this: I’d always be this homesick, I’d always get lost on campus, and I’d always feel lonely. Try to remember, as best you can, that this is just a season. As the weeks go by, you will get into a rhythm and things will begin to feel easier. In the meantime, try to be patient. You only have to move in as a freshman in college one time! You can do this! Take it day by day, minute by minute if you need to. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, call your mom, or take a break when you feel overwhelmed.

Me and my parents at the Anchor on my move-in weekend

Words For Parents:

I, of course, have never sent a kid to college. Still, I can imagine the anxiety that comes with their newfound independence. If it’s any encouragement to you, I want to say that the faculty and mentors I’ve found at Hope have served me, cooked me dinner, and invited me over. People will care for your kid, truly, and maybe even give them home-cooked meals from time to time. Hope is truly a great place to be, and in time your kid will be thriving here. It’s just an adjustment period… so again, have grace and patience.

Throughout my first year and even still, my family would send me mail or postcards. I work in the mailroom now, and I see lots of similar mail coming through. If you’re missing your kid a little extra, I would recommend doing the same. It will make their day to get an email from Campus Print and Mail that they have something unexpected to come pick up– especially when it’s a handwritten note or card.

This will be a tough transition, yes, but also a beautiful one: watching your kid thrive and grow in a new place.

Words for Everyone:

When I moved in, my mom marked Isaiah 43 and 44 in my Bible.  These words guided me through the transition of feeling alone in a new place.  In preparation for the beginning of my junior year, I’ve once again come back to these chapters and written out verses as a reminder for myself.  For parents and for students, I think these words could serve as an encouragement as we look ahead and trust God to walk with us through the unknowns of this next season.

But now, this is what the Lord says — he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV

I hope that you carry these words with you. I’m praying for you, all of you, amidst this transition!

Perks of Living Near Downtown Holland

I didn’t choose Hope exclusively because of its downtown atmosphere, but having a campus so closely integrated into the beautiful Holland community has been a huge perk of my college experience. This summer, I’m continuing to live and work on campus. Watching one of my favorite cities bloom and buzz in the summer heat has been so much fun. There are countless positives of living on a campus so close to downtown– today we’ll just touch on my top three.

1. Coffee and Food!

Most of the time I head downtown, I’m either picking up food or going to sit at one of my favorite coffee shops. Food-wise, there’s plenty of pubs or sports bars (New Holland and Hopcat, for example) that many enjoy. Personally, my favorite downtown restaurant is Mizu Sushi. Before college, I didn’t like sushi but I’ve since become a big fan of picking up Mizu. It’s pretty cheap, and it’s a quick walk away from campus.

eating Mizu downtown with a friend!

Coffee-wise, Lemonjello’s and 205 are the main coffee shops downtown right now– with another one, Foxtail, set to open later this summer. They have different aesthetics but both are great places to get work done, chat with a friend, or sit with a good book (which I’ve been doing a lot of this summer!).

2. Running or Walking

If I’m not getting coffee downtown, I’m probably running. I started going on daily runs downtown this past semester, and it’s a habit I’ve kept up through the summer. I’m currently training for a half marathon. Running downtown and in the streets close to campus are among my favorite locations. Scenic routes like Window on the Waterfront are less than a mile away from campus, so I will run with a route that passes through campus, our historic downtown buildings, and then head to the waterfront. In the dead of winter, I was able to keep running downtown because the heated sidewalks melted the ice and slush, making it a lot safer.

a picture from one of my runs at Window on the Waterfront

Going on a walk downtown is something I also love doing, whether I’m listening to a podcast or walking with a friend. Window-shopping, taking a coffee to go, or heading to the farmer’s market are some of my favorite ways to spend time outside.

3. Community Location

Being close to downtown lets college students without cars walk to places like church (Pillar, for example) and the Herrick District Library. Hope is separate from downtown, and yet as a Hope student I feel welcome and able to access the community. I regularly walk the half mile from my cottage to the city’s library that sits downtown. This summer especially, I’ve already read 5 or 6 books I got there. Last year, a friend and I rollerbladed from our dorm over to the library. Exploring downtown and feeling a part of something bigger has been a huge and lovely part of my Hope experience.

a BeReal from one of my (very successful) downtown library trips this summer

Our Hope campus is beautiful and inviting, but a Hope experience is bigger than that. Exploring and embracing downtown is one way to really make the most of time living in Holland. Three of my favorite perks living near downtown have been trying new coffee shops and restaurants, having great places to run or walk, and being a part of a bigger community.

Summer Visits to Hope

I first toured Hope in August 2021. It wasn’t my first college visit, but it stood out as the first visit where I really felt like a person, not just a statistic or part of the tour guide’s daily checklist.

Before my tour, I had barely heard of Hope, but I had a friend go on a tour and recommend that I do the same. I suggested it to my mom. Not knowing a lot about the school, she wasn’t sold on the idea, but still we drove the hour from our home in Kalamazoo to Holland. We had a one-on-one summer tour, sat down with my admissions representative, and then stopped for coffee downtown at Lemonjello’s. It wasn’t a perfect day — the torrential downpour mid-tour certainly added some charm — but it was memorable in the best way it could be. Months later, after I’d officially made my college decision, my Mom told me she’d known it would be Hope by the way my eyes lit up during that very first tour (If only I had consciously known, too, then the decision-making process would have been much less stressful!).

my first Hope tour!

If you’re thinking about touring Hope this summer, I couldn’t recommend the experience highly enough.

Through August, one-on-one in-person tours and meetings with admission representatives are offered weekdays from 8 to 4 p.m. These can be signed up for on the admissions website. Every Wednesday throughout the summer, admissions also hosts a group tour experience with a presentation. Hope also has options for virtual tours, and open houses throughout the summer.

What will a tour and admission representative meeting be like? In my experience, both were highly personalized. My tour guide shared my prospective major, so he was able to tell me about the department and introduce me to the professor in charge of internships. After the tour, I received an email from this professor connecting more about the department with me. Sitting down with my admissions representative was an equally encouraging experience. He clearly cared about me as a person and not just as a student, wanting to help me make the college decision that would work for me. He asked me about what I was interested in, not just my academics, and clearly cared about my responses. I left my day at Hope feeling like it would be a place where I felt I mattered, and where I could help other people feel that, too.

If you’re considering a summer visit at Hope, take a chance and try it out! Register for a campus visit at hope.edu/summer.

Why Hope College?

With the end of the school year and as a rising senior, I find myself reflecting on my time at Hope College so far. With close friends graduating, I find myself pondering how soon that will be me. As I transition into preparing for the next semester, I wonder what makes Hope the place that it is. Why Hope? 

Faith Foundation & Formation 

The foundation of Hope College is rooted in its Christian heritage beginning more than 150 years ago. Among Hope’s vision statements for its mission, it strives “to be a leading Christian college, ecumenical in character and rooted in the Reformed tradition” and to “promote faithful leadership and grateful service as manifestations of Christian commitment.” As such, the College provides multiple ways to receive faith formation both as a student and as an individual. For example, Christian concepts are discussed in classrooms even beyond a traditional religion course context. Additionally, the campus ministries office provides opportunities including bible study groups, immersion trips, and 3x weekly Chapel worship series. Opportunities for Catholic students are also available through the St. Benedictine Institute including Genesis and Exodus 90, daily masses, and a lecture series. All are invited to enter into the faith community at Hope, no matter one’s religion, including people who do not practice a religion at all.

Liberal Arts Education

Another key characteristic of Hope’s fabric is its commitment to the liberal arts. Hope’s mission statement reads, “The mission of Hope College is to educate students for lives of leadership and service in a global society through academic and co-curricular programs of recognized excellence in the liberal arts and in the context of the historic Christian faith.”

Supported by a multidisciplinary approach, the College strives to holistically form students into well-rounded future leaders – academically, spiritually, and socially. As such, students receive a breadth of classes through the general education program. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in diverse programs outside of the classroom across multiple disciplines. 

Caring Community

Additionally, Hope College would not be the place that it is without its people. Being surrounded by students, faculty, and staff who care about each individual and the mission of the school, enables a culture in which support, goodness, and virtue flourish. The character of the College provides deep richness and formation for students. Within the classroom, students are more than just a number among many in the room. Professors assist students and become life-long mentors. Peers collaborate and connect with each other, becoming friends beyond college.

I am grateful to be a part of this caring community.

Liberal Arts at Hope

I didn’t choose Hope because it’s a liberal arts school– in fact, I didn’t really know what liberal arts meant at first. Now, as a sophomore (almost junior!) it’s so easy to see the benefits of such an education in my life.

The liberal arts curriculum at Hope requires a number of general education courses to be taken by students, including credits of art, history, philosophy, and science (among others).

The liberal arts curriculum also allows me to have two majors and two minors, while still having space to study abroad or graduate early if I choose.

This semester especially, I’ve loved my classes. A good amount of them are things I wouldn’t necessarily have had space for in my schedule without the liberal arts requirements that make them more of a priority. I’m taking a philosophy-based English class that lets us analyze texts of our choosing (anything from books to popular tv shows to Taylor Swift songs) with critical lenses. I’m also taking a Spanish class where we have the opportunity to volunteer at a local nonprofit and use our Spanish with native speakers every single week.

at my Spanish class placement!

For art credit this semester, I’m also taking a creative writing class. It has grown to be one of the classes I look forward to most each week. Being able to use my brain to write poetry and prose has been such an amazing outlet. As a kid, I was constantly writing stories, and being in this class has allowed me to come back to that. I’ve also loved meeting people from all different disciplines, and reading their stories or poetry. We share and offer feedback to one another on a regular basis. It’s been a beautiful thing to connect with people from across campus, reading their work and understanding more about their worlds.

Maybe your childhood passion was a certain instrument, you always wanted to learn a language, or you’re a humanities major wishing for one more math class. The liberal arts education makes all of these things possible for students, stretching us and helping us become global citizens as we engage with students and fields outside of our “normal.”

Hopeful Faith

College is a busy time. You are constantly running to class, work, events, extracurriculars, etc. So when is there time for your faith? You can find the time, it just takes a little intentionality.

I grew up in a very Christian household and when I came to college I wanted to deepen my own personal relationship with God. I wanted to meet people who believed what I believe, but I also wanted to put myself out there and meet people who don’t. So, I joined a bible study my freshman year to make new friends. Which worked. I found people at the same faith stage I was at, and I met people who were at other stages. I was able to find comfort in this. There were people from all different stages of faith and belief that allowed me to learn from others and grow.

After my freshman year, I fell away from my practices. I got distracted by school and everything else I was trying to balance. It took recognizing what was happening and taking note of where I wanted to grow to bring me back. I started going to church again but struggled with pressuring myself to do more. It started to weigh on me. I thought I wasn’t doing as good as I should. Part of me believed that I needed to do more: journal every day, read my bible every day, pray all the time, constantly be grateful, etc. It became too much.

So, I had to step back. I picked a couple things instead of everything. Choosing to begin journaling was the best choice I made. I found that I began to write down whenever I was grateful or whenever good things happened. When I wrote about things that bothered me or if I was having a bad day, I could analyze why I felt that way. This gave me the ability to process my emotions. But, by focusing on what I was grateful for and processing my emotions I was starting to be happier. I could find the positives in life.

From here, after I developed a habit, I focused on something else. Which for me, was prayer. I didn’t get down if I forgot to pray at every meal. But, I tried. Which took so much pressure off of me. I began to deepen my relationship with God because I was finding joy in the relationship. The pressure was off.

Hope helped this. There were professors who gave me advice on finding peace. I found inspiration in professors who were strong in their faith and I could see it come through in their language and respect for others. I also saw God in so many peers. Junior year I took a mission trip. One of the best decisions of my life. I met so many people, had so many experiences, and explored my own faith with the help of those who were further in faith than I was.

Community and self-regulation are so helpful in growing in faith. There are opportunities at Hope to help grow your faith.

Student Life at Hope!

My expectations about college life were shaped by what I saw on the tv show Gilmore Girls… Rory consistently spent her free time back at home in Stars Hollow. Before college, friends warned me that small schools are often “suitcase schools,” where every student packs up and goes home over the weekend. Since I wasn’t planning on doing this, I was scared that college would be lonely. Luckily, Hope doesn’t fit the suitcase stereotype. I’ve found there’s always people around, and always something to do. If you don’t know where to start, let’s talk about a few ways you could get involved with student life here.

I think that the living community is a great place to start. First year students will have an RA and an RD that have been hired due to their leadership and mentoring capacities. They put on events such as Procrastination Pancakes or Bachelor Watch Parties to build community and create a safe home base for residents. Campus life starts within your hall, and it’s a great place to meet some friendly faces.

Hope has a group called the Student Activities Committee that consistently organizes events for students. There are so many fun events that SAC has put on this year alone. In early fall, for example, Jordy Searcy (a popular singer/songwriter) came to campus with SAC and put on a concert in Dimnent Chapel. SAC also does annual events like Silent Disco, Fall Fest, and Spring Fling.

Jordy Searcy concert!

There’s also plenty of groups that students can get involved with at Hope. Things like intramural sports, the Pull, Nykerk, Dance Marathon, or Greek Life often yield community for students. Joining a Bible Study and going on an immersion trip are two of the ways that I’ve loved spending time and meeting people here at Hope.

Student life at Hope is multifaceted, but there’s truly so many opportunities to get involved and find your people. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, to try something new, or to go to an event alone– you’ll be surprised what can happen!

Transformed by Hope

At Hope, you’ll often hear about how being here has changed people’s lives. While it’s become a bit of a cliche at this point, that’s because it’s true. You would be hard-pressed to find someone here who hasn’t experienced the aptly named Hope difference, and I am no exception. Here are just a few of the ways that I have been transformed by Hope. 

Academics

Coming to Hope, I didn’t expect to become someone who could hammer out a three page paper in an evening. Essay writing had always been a struggle for me in high school. Plus, since I’m a computer science major, I wasn’t exactly banking on getting much practice. This notion only solidified for me when I cried over my final paper for American Politics in the fall semester of my freshman year because I thought it was the worst thing I’ve ever written. But throughout my time at Hope, it’s only gotten easier. In fact, it’s gotten easy enough that I decided to tack on a major in philosophy, which notoriously requires a lot of writing. This is just one example of an experience that many have had at Hope. You achieve things you never thought were possible. 

Faith 

You may think that it’s obvious that a Christian college would inspire you to grow in your faith. Although I did anticipate that happening, what I didn’t expect was how much I’ve been encouraged to question my preconceived notions of what it means to be Christian. While Hope itself is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, all sorts of different backgrounds and perspectives are welcomed and encouraged here. For example, Hope regularly hosts talks sponsored by the Saint Benedict Institute, which is a Catholic organization founded and run by Hope faculty and the local Catholic parish. These talks and many others hosted by different organizations are emblematic of Hope’s culture of asking questions and going deeper into matters of faith. 

Friendship 

In my mind, what really makes Hope what it is are the friends you make while you’re here. They’re the people who have been at my side when I’m asking those big questions about faith or freaking out about another paper. I first found this incredible community when I was a Phelps Scholar, which is a program for freshmen that explores issues of diversity. Talking with my friends in the program was always a wild ride. Sometimes we would have the most profound conversation of our life, sometimes we would crack up over a lame joke, and sometimes we would do both in the span of five minutes. This strong community is what has allowed me to experience Hope’s transformative effect the most. While we find ourselves being changed at Hope, what really changes us the most is each other. 

The prospect of being transformed may sound daunting, which I totally understand. So much is already happening in college, and having your life changed feels like a lot to handle. But in my experience, it happens when you least expect it. There have been so many times where I’ve been caught off guard by a moment being unexpectedly profound, and these moments are only made possible by being at Hope. If you’re looking to be transformed by Hope, my only advice is to buckle up and get ready for a wild and wonderful ride, because my experience has been nothing short of that. 

DR 2024: My Experience on an Immersion Trip

Immersion trips are one of my favorite opportunities at Hope. Students can sign up with Campus Ministries and travel on weeklong trips over spring break where they are able to be immersed in a new culture, have their worldviews expanded, serve in new ways, and build community with one another.

In my freshman year, I was blessed to travel to Nashville and learn about people experiencing homelessness over spring break. This past week, I went on an immersion trip to the Dominican Republic. My experience was so different from my time in Nashville, yet still so very beautiful.

Last year, a close friend and I signed up for Nashville together. We didn’t know anyone else going into the week, so we leaned on each other a lot through that experience. This year, I signed up for the DR trip by myself. I was so nervous to travel out of the country with 20 students I didn’t know, but I’m so glad I pushed myself to do it. Going out of my comfort zone led me to meet so many amazing, Christ-like people from Hope from all different years, majors, and backgrounds. These are connections that I hope and expect will only continue building now that we’re back on campus.

Every immersion trip has a different focus. In the Dominican Republic, we spent the majority of our week building a chapel for a community that had requested it. Personally, I’ve never done anything construction-related before. The nature of this project as a whole really challenged me and pushed me to depend on God– because in my weakness, He is strong. It was so cool to be the hands and feet of Christ in this new way.

Our team and the chapel we built!

We also had the opportunity to engage with the families that lived in the village where we built the chapel. The pastor, missionaries, and church congregation are some of the most joyful and generous people I have ever met. Their demeanors and the way they reflect Christ’s love is something that has stayed on my mind since being back in the states.

We truly had a beautiful week of worship, testimonies, dependance and serving in the Dominican Republic. I’m so thankful that Hope and Campus Ministries have opportunities like immersion trips that make perspective-broadening experiences attainable for college students. Signing up for any immersion trip is an experience I truly couldn’t recommend more. I truly can’t wait to see where God takes me next spring break, whether that’s back to Nashville or DR, or maybe somewhere new altogether…

“Hope”ful Living

Spring is in the air, birds are singing, the sun is shining, and there are scattered showers. Along with this beautiful weather there are so many exciting ways to “live it up” at Hope. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a graduating senior, you want to enjoy your college experience. Here at Hope, you will never be bored.

Spring Exclusives

To begin, Spring Fling! The obvious option. Coming soon on the last Friday of the academic year. There are always inflatables, live music, a mechanical bull and food! There are also free t-shirts — no one can turn down a free shirt! You will enjoy the weather with your fellow peers while snacking on good food and playing yard games.

Every year my friends and I make a bee-line for the spike ball nets. We play for a few hours rotating who is eating and who is playing. Even if it’s not sunny and overwhelmingly warm, we make the most of it. Spring Fling is an on-campus break from homework and the upcoming dread of finals week.

There is usually something to enjoy in the Pine Grove during the warm weather seasons. Bring your own hammock and sway in the breeze, bring a blanket and take a nap in the sun, or follow SAC on Instagram to keep up with Student Activities!

Staying Inside

If you aren’t the outdoorsy type, or if the weather is just not preferable, there is always something to do inside! Sometimes SAC offers crafts or DIY projects to get involved in.

My friends and I usually keep an eye out for any of SAC’s or the Gardening Club’s potting events. I have several pots that I have painted, or drawn, on over the years.

I also attend the holiday events. From listening to Christmas music and decorating cards to listening to sappy love songs and making bracelets, the holiday-themed events are always a blast.

What to Watch

There are performances throughout the semester that are open for students to enjoy. Theater performances created by students or professors, ballet recitals, improv nights, and more! I have attended a little bit of each. The Vanderprov group performs at least once a month. They never fail to bring laughs and relaxation to the students who attend. The performances usually guarantee a break from the stressors that school can bring.

There are dance companies that perform throughout the year. Usually, throughout the year, there are two student-choreographed dance concerts, the annual department dance concert, many dance companies and even dance clubs if you are interested!

Then, don’t forget about the theater program here at Hope! There is usually something happening in theater. Many performances get put on at Hope throughout the year, some are even written by students! You aren’t going to want to miss these beautiful performances.

Are You Bored Yet?

So as you can see, there is always something to do. Student life is always buzzing here at Hope. There is a strong focus on community and creating a “home away from home” for all students. Everyone is welcome to fend off boredom on campus.