A School Day in the Life at Hope College

Every day at Hope looks different for me, but I try to maintain a semblance of routine and productivity throughout. Let’s walk through what my day last Thursday looked like– a combination of class, work, social time, homework, and self care.

9:00 AM-11:00 AM

My morning starts every day at about 8:30 or 9:30, but I like to wake up before that to ease myself into the day. This day, I had a meeting with a professor and a group project member at 9:00, then went straight to Health Communications class from 9:30 to 10:50.

11:00 AM-12:30 PM

After class, I went to work at my on-campus job in Campus Print and Mail. I love working because it’s a good opportunity to productively disconnect from any academic stress. Every shift looks different, but usually involves receiving and sending packages, helping students, and doing homework if we have down time.

12:30 PM-1:30 PM

After work, I got lunch in Phelps with a friend from my immersion trip last year. Then, we ran to Lemonjello’s downtown to get some coffee before I had class. This was a good time to disconnect from academics before continuing on in my day.

1:30 PM-4:00 PM

At 1:30, I had my second class of the day, a philosophy gen ed. We talked about the representation of disability in literature. After class, I had a second group project meeting where we finished up a paper.

4:00 PM-4:45 PM

To disconnect from school for a bit, I went on a run downtown in the late afternoon. Running is a hobby I’ve really picked up this year, and I love it so much. It’s been an amazing way for me to disconnect from stress and take care of myself, while also getting outside and moving my body.

5:00 PM-7:00 PM

After my run, I went with a friend to our Spanish class placement. We volunteer at a nonprofit called Community Action House where we have the opportunity to both serve the Holland community and practice our Spanish. This has become a staple every week and I’ve really enjoyed engaging with Holland in a new way.

7:00 PM-10:00 PM

After coming back to campus and eating dinner, I headed to Campus Ministries– one of my favorite places to get work done. From 7 to 10, I sat with some friends and worked on a few assignments.

10:00 PM-10:30PM

At 10:00, a friend and I went on a study-break donut run. This certainly doesn’t happen every night– it was my first donut run of the semester. It was just what I needed to augment my studying, though. We walked to Good Time Donuts (a Hope College staple that’s open 24 hours!) and got a donut to share, then headed back to Campus Ministries.

my very first donut run, above, was during orientation my freshman year.

10:30PM – 11:45PM

After our donut run, I finished up a little more homework at Campus Ministries, and then headed to my room and went to bed.

Every single day at Hope is definitely not quite as packed as this one was. Even when things are busy, I do my best to find moments of joy and connection throughout the day. On Thursday, I found those moments off campus at LJ’s and Community Action House, going on a donut run, and just studying and getting meals with friends. As the semester wraps up, I know these are the moments I’ll look back on.

A student’s advice for exploring scholarships at Hope

Why did you choose Hope College? This is a common question that most students on campus have previously answered. While many answers range from the liberal arts education to the student involvement opportunities available to the beauty of the Holland community and everything in between, I have also consistently heard a seemingly more practical answer: financial aid and scholarships. For me, I have a similar response. 

While it’s no secret that Hope College (similar to other private colleges and universities) can be costlier for students and families, the College also seeks to make a Hope education more accessible by providing generous support and scholarship packages. 

As listed on Hope’s website, there are several academic award packages available to students: National Merit Scholarship ($24,000 per year), Trustee Scholarship ($24,000 per year), Presidential Scholarship ($15,000 per year and up), Distinguished Scholar ($13,000 per year), Alumni Honors Scholarship ($11,000 per year), and Anchor Award ($7,500 per year). While each of these includes its own set of criteria and standards, they offer opportunities for students to receive financial support for their work in the classroom. Donors also fund scholarships for packages awarded to students within their respective majors and minors. While these may or may not be awarded to first-year students, the opportunities are there as students progress throughout their college careers. 

In addition to academic achievement awards, Hope offers scholarships through what they call “Distinguished Artist Awards,” which provide fine arts awards in the following areas: creative writing, dance, music, theater, and visual arts.

A more recent initiative is Hope Forward – a plan to provide fully-funded tuition at Hope College that is rooted in generosity and gratitude. Currently funded by the generosity of donors, the idea is that awarded students will pay-it-forward out of gratitude after graduation and continue funding other students. This program was spearheaded under the vision of Hope College President Matt Scogin, who seeks to underscore the College’s mission statement and its Christian roots through this distinctive stewardship of resources. This seemingly revolutionary model was even featured on the podcast of five-time New York Times Bestselling author, Malcom Gladwell, who visited Hope’s campus last Spring. 

Aside from these, there are many additional ways to pursue financial support for attending Hope from organizations outside of the college. Hope’s Financial Aid Office website is a great resource for external scholarship opportunities for students who have completed their Federal Student Aid (FASFA). 

While the cost of tuition can feel overwhelming for students and families, it’s important to consider there are supportive resources available. I have outlined only some of the options available and I encourage prospective students and families to speak with their admissions rep and the Financial Aid Office about their specific circumstances and to learn more about the many resources available to them.

Working Student

Often balancing school and a social life is enough. There is already a packed schedule of homework and friends that is swarming over your head. So how do you manage this with a job? Do you need a job?

Busy Schedule

When life is buzzing around you it can be hard to find time. Any time at all, that is. So, when someone brings up the idea of working a job in your current state you can’t help but laugh. Incoming money isn’t bad, it can be relatively reassuring, but if it creates stress then what’s the worth?

You’ll have to analyze your abilities and availability before committing to anything. You could find you have more time than you realized, or you could find you have no time. Either is fine, but it will affect whether or not you could comfortably get an on-campus job.

When I got into my sophomore year of college I found that I had more time and more leniency in my schedule. So, I began looking for a job, something to occupy that free time while keeping me social. I found the applications for the Klooster Writing Center and jumped on that. Because I wanted to make the most of my college experience, I wanted to find a job in a field I knew I would enjoy. As a Creative Writing Major, I knew editing was something I enjoyed and was good at.

Benefits of Working On-Campus

Right away, I found community at my work. I found other students who could relate to struggles I was going through, or who would celebrate with me all the good happening. My job helped me to find more people to connect with, especially since COVID was still on the rise at the time.

My boss became someone I could confide in and find help with. I would make meetings to go over my own papers, or just to talk about something that was causing me stress. They are now a mentor for me, a reference for applications and an adult I can trust.

There is so much community at Hope just waiting for you to join in. You never know who you might meet or what you might get the opportunity to do if you don’t try. Yet, this is not a push towards the idea that “you have to get a job.” You can find community wherever you are. But, branching yourself out and trying things won’t hurt. If you find you have extra time, apply to a job with a friend, or just apply on your own and be open to meeting new people.

Overall, jobs at Hope are available and open to all students. I do believe that applying for jobs and working on campus is a beneficial way to make money while expanding your college community. There are so many interesting people at Hope that you will get the chance to meet and work with. Who knows, maybe you will find that the job you have on campus is an area you want to pursue when you graduate.

Three Reasons Why I Chose Hope College

When I walked onto Hope’s campus the summer before my senior year of high school, I could feel it was different than the other schools I’d toured. Despite my wonderful visit, it took me until spring break of my senior year to officially commit to Hope. When I finally came to this decision, my mom told me she’d known I would pick Hope all along. “I could tell by the way your eyes lit up on the first tour,” she said, “that this would be it for you.” Still, it had taken me eight months to officially make the decision. I didn’t want to choose my college based just on a feeling, after all; I wanted to make the most informed choice I could. Here are three factors that helped me decide that HOPE was the place for me.

a photo from my first visit to Hope in August 2021

1. Class Environment

My experience with COVID and online schooling in sophomore and junior year of high school helped me realize how much I value the traditional classroom experience. Knowing my classmates and teacher by name, and being known in the same way, impacts the way I engage in the learning process. Knowing this about myself helped me narrow down the 5 colleges I’d applied to as I realized that I didn’t want to go to a school where I’d always be a number in a lecture hall. I wanted to be at a school where my professors would notice (and care!) if I wasn’t in class. I chose well – in every class I’ve been in, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with the professor on some personal level. I’ve had professors send emails just to check in on me, or say hi to me when I walk past them in the dining hall or downtown. It’s very clear that Hope faculty are holistically engaged in their students, and that’s something that I’ve been grateful for through my time here. I want to know and be known, and academics are set up in such a way that this is not only possible, but also the norm.

2. Size and Location

My decision to come to Hope was also influenced by its location and size. To me, Hope isn’t too small or too big. If I go somewhere on campus or downtown, I typically run into a few people I know and a few I don’t. I’ve found this in-between to be perfect. I don’t just blend in, but I also don’t know everyone. Every semester so far, I’ve made new friends in classes or clubs.

I also love the location of Hope. It’s about an hour away from my house (not too close and not too far). Even for my friends that have come here from farther away, the small-town feel of Holland became home much quicker than a large and unfamiliar city might. Hope’s size and Holland’s location and feel were a huge factor in my decision making process.

3. Faith Formation

Coming from a public high school education, I’d always been surrounded by nonbelievers in the academic setting. Some moments of my education were definitely difficult for me because my values didn’t align with everyone else’s. Still, I didn’t exclusively apply to Christian colleges.

When I visited Hope, I was enthralled, imagining what it would be like to worship in chapel alongside classmates and professors. I loved the thought of having a faith community at my school, and I also loved that absolutely nothing was required. Every student personally chooses to be involved in Campus Ministries, the Gathering, or Bible Studies, which means that spaces of intentionality are cultivated. I knew that college would be a formative time for my faith, so I chose this people of Hope that would commit to running towards God alongside of me.

If you’re a senior right now, I feel you. The college decision making process is daunting and even burdensome. To me, Hope felt right… yet it took me months to say it out loud and actually commit to it. My hope is that considering aspects such as classroom environment, location, and faith formation will help you feel more confident in your decision making process. I’m so deeply grateful that God brought me here, to this school, and I’m confident that He can and will lead you to the right place as well.

Adjusting to Holland

I can’t wrap my head around the idea that Holland feels small to some people. To me, as someone who grew up in a small Upper Peninsula town, it feels almost limitless. It has so much that my hometown doesn’t have, such as a freeway (seriously, there are no freeways in the Upper Peninsula). This means that even though I’m still in the same state, it feels like I’m in a whole new world sometimes. Needless to say, I’ve had to adjust a lot to life in Holland. Here are some of the changes that took me by surprise. 

One Way Streets

I’m convinced that there are more one way streets in Holland than the rest of the United States combined. I’m sure there’s a reason for why there are so many, but that doesn’t stop it from being confusing, especially for someone new to the area. Navigating Holland can be tricky at first, but it gets easier. I’m as bad with directions as they come, but I still found myself learning where all the one ways are so they can’t surprise me anymore. 

Walkable Downtown

Many people cite Holland’s downtown area as one of their favorite things about going to Hope, and it’s easy to see why. It has a lot to see and do, but it’s nearby and you don’t need a car to go anywhere (so you can avoid the one-ways). A downtown like Holland’s wasn’t something I had experienced before coming to Hope. Since I quite literally live in the middle of the woods, I’m used to taking a 10-20 minute drive to go anywhere. This newfound ability to walk to pretty much any kind of store I could dream of was a little intimidating to begin with, but I’ve managed to adjust. Now I look forward to weekend downtown outings with friends, and I don’t even need to drive to get there. 

So Many Squirrels, so Few Deer

Hope’s squirrels are nothing short of iconic. Since they’re so beloved, I knew that I’d be encountering them quite a bit while living in Holland. However, a month after beginning college, I had a startling realization: I hadn’t seen any deer in a month. While I wouldn’t expect deer to want to hang around a college campus, it wasn’t something that I had anticipated changing. If you’ve ever been to the Upper Peninsula, you know that deer are everywhere. I’ve seen deer in my yard, on the roads, and even trying to walk inside my high school. So even though Holland is far from lacking in wildlife, Holland’s absence of deer was still an unexpected culture shock. 

Even though there have been plenty of culture shocks, Holland has slowly become familiar to me. Now when I’m at Hope, I feel less away from home and more at my home away from home. If Holland feels intimidating to you now, just know that it won’t always be that way. Even if Holland is the complete opposite from what you’re used to, it will become comfortable eventually. 

Going Global at Hope

Hope College prides itself on being a campus with a global focus. Just recently was Going Global Week, hosted by the Center for Global Engagement. The week held a number of events to provide information about other cultures and the opportunity to engage therein – everything from an International Food Fair to a photo contest from time abroad. Whether the week is designated for “going global” or not, though, students at Hope are perpetually taught how to take on the perspectives of others. Liberal arts classes, multicultural worship in chapel, immersion trips, and opportunities like study abroad make this possible. I personally haven’t studied abroad during my time at Hope, though I’ve been playing with the idea of a May term in the future. I have, however, been a firsthand witness to friends that study abroad and come back transformed. Hope makes it easy to “go global,” and they walk with you through the process.

my friend Maia studied abroad this past summer in Germany, and traveled around Europe as well. (photo courtesy of Maia Travis)

Many of my friends, as second year students, are just now going abroad or planning to do so during junior year. Even when their trip was more than a year out, the Off-Campus Study office was able to support them. One friend isn’t planning to go abroad until next spring, but has been meeting pretty regularly with the office since our freshman year. She comes back from the meetings raving, always feeling more comfortable and confident in the next steps she needs to take towards her time off-campus.

Tuition and Financial Aid

One perk about studying off-campus during a semester at Hope is the cost-effectiveness. Typically, cost is similar to the regular tuition price of a semester at Hope and your eligible financial aid transfers for one semester abroad. Beyond this similar pricing, there’s a number of scholarships that students can apply for. Hope wants to make study off-campus possible for all students that are interested. Students can do internships abroad, take courses specific to their major, or finish up gen-eds.

The beautiful thing about studying abroad at Hope is that there’s really something for everyone. The off-campus website details more than three hundred program opportunities that students can take part in whether for a semester, a full year, or a summer term. Both the Off-Campus Study office and students’ academic advisors are more than willing to walk alongside students and help them discern a path amidst this myriad of options.

New Perspectives

I’m in a senior level Spanish class, and on the first day of the semester my professor asked: “Who just got back from studying abroad?” About two thirds of the class raised their hand – a showcase of just how normal it is to spend time abroad at Hope. At least once a week in Spanish class discussions, my classmates incorporate their experiences into class conversation. It’s easy to see that these students have been shaped and stretched by their experiences abroad, and their experiences are able to affect us as a class, too.

In chapel, chaplains often say that college is a “conversation” of minds and perspectives. Off-campus study and the opportunity to “go global,” is an enrichment of that conversation. As such, it’s something that Hope wants to make possible for as many students as they can.

Undergraduate Research at Hope College

Among institutions across the nation, Hope College has received recognition and high rankings for the research opportunities that the College offers students. For instance, Hope “is one of only 54 colleges and universities including Yale, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Michigan, recognized for providing outstanding undergraduate research/creative project opportunities.” 

For me, participating in research has bolstered my undergraduate experience. From receiving mentorship from professors to working closely with a team of peers to employing hands-on skills, research has strengthened both my understanding and my passion for my areas of study. It has fostered an environment of inquiry, curiosity, and excitement all the while forging an engaging and collaborative academic community outside of the classroom. 

As a student combining studies in both biology and business, I have been able to experience research within both disciplines during my time at Hope. For example, I am a student researcher within the biology department where I work within a team of five other students that is led under the mentorship of a professor in the department. As such, we get the opportunity to directly impact and assist in the research path of our professor. In doing so, our work seeks to extend and contribute to the biological community. Not only do we work within the lab, but we also get the opportunity to present our research at conferences, including one hosted by the College called the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity (CURCA). Students can even choose to dedicate a portion of their academic credits toward research, and they can work over the summer too in the department. 

Through my involvement in Hope College’s Center for Leadership consulting, I’ve had the opportunity to tap into research through an economics and business lens. The program is designed for students to work within a team of four peers with a student lead and a coach with a background in the industry. Some projects even include a subject matter expert. Together, the team serves a paired client that is a current operating company within the industry. As a result, I’ve been able to gain new professional and research skills through this program, serving in a similar way to business internships. Interestingly too is that many of my projects with clients have even incorporated both of my majors, enabling me to employ my holistic research formation and passions in both biology and business.    

These are just a few of the ways to become involved in research on campus. I am grateful for the unmatched formation I have received by partaking in research experiences across my diverse areas of study. 

Springtime in Holland

Springtime in Holland is like no other.  Don’t get me wrong, I love coming back to school in the fall, and the first snow is absolutely magical.  Still, there’s just something about the first few warm days on campus that have a special air to them. Here are my top five aspects of springtime in Holland.

1. Classes Outside

One day last week, temperatures got up to about 65 degrees in Holland. This is absolutely unheard of for a Michigan February. On this day, my professor let us have class outside. This is pretty common for classes at Hope. When the sun is shining in early spring, you’ll walk past classes having discussions in the Pine Grove or at the picnic tables outside of Phelps Dining Hall. Thanks to small class sizes, this is such a unique experience that professors provide because they truly care about their students holistically, and understand the appeal of sunshine! For me, our time outside last week was definitely my favorite session of class!

2. People in the Pine Grove

I still remember the first warm week of my freshman year. It felt like everyone was in the Pine Grove: hammocking, playing spike ball, or eating picnic dinners. This was my favorite week of freshman year, and as the weather gets warmer I’m finding that a similar sentiment is surfacing. A walk through the Pine Grove on a warm day will bring you face to face with at least a handful of friends. Everyone is out and spending time together, and it’s truly one of my favorite parts of life at Hope.

so many people outside in the Pine Grove on a warm afternoon!

3. Going on Walks

Between our beautiful campus, downtown, and nearby trails, there are plenty of places to walk or run in Holland. This is a reality all year round, but as the weather gets warmer these sites grow more popular. Last week, I went on a sunrise run at Window on the Waterfront. It’s maybe half a mile off campus, and absolutely beautiful (especially as things warm up!). Walking and running in the warmer weather is definitely one of my favorite parts about springtime in Holland.

my sunrise run last week at Window on the Waterfront

4. The Beach

A few nights last week, it seemed like everyone was at the beach. All year long, it’s pretty typical for Hope students to sit in their cars and watch the sunset at Holland State Park. As it gets a little warmer, though, we can actually get out of our cars, walk on the sand, and maybe even touch the water (or Polar Plunge, if you’re brave!). Picnic dinners at the beach become an ever-present possibility as it warms up… what a joy.

5. The Tulips

Holland is known for its annual Tulip Time Festival, which happens near the beginning of May. Through the second half of spring semester, the tulips begin to bud and bloom. Already, I’ve seen some stems sprouting up around campus, which is such a joy. As time progresses, it becomes more and more exciting to see how the tulips are growing. This is a beautiful part of spring semester.

We’ve just reached the midpoint of spring semester, and I’m so thankful that hints of spring are starting to pop up. A taste of warm weather and the promise of tulips are just what I needed to push through until spring break. Spring time in Holland is truly my favorite part of the year. I am so grateful for sunshine, and classes outside. For friends that you run into in the Pine Grove, the beach, tulips, and walks or runs in warm weather. Here’s to the second half of this semester, amidst the budding beauty of a Holland spring!

Navigating the journey of living away from home

With the seemingly dark, dreary, and cold days of ‘swinter’ (spring + winter) amid this point in the semester when days feel longer, mid-winter break is over, and the heap of homework, projects, and exams seemingly competes in height with that of Mount Rushmore, feelings of homesickness inevitably creep in. Especially as a first-year student, it can feel overwhelming and cause you to miss living at home. However, it’s helpful to know that you are not alone, and that there are ways to help ease the anxious feelings of living away from home.  

For me, I think it’s helpful to remember to strive for a positive, growth mindset. For example, while it can be difficult living away from home, especially as a first-year student, it’s important to maintain a healthy perspective. One way to do so is by seeing this stage of your life as a learning opportunity. What can you learn about yourself, how can you care for yourself, and how will you fulfill your responsibilities through living on your own? Unlike living at home where perhaps you depended on the schedules and structures placed upon you, you are now more in control of your days. As a result, in order to balance both your health and responsibilities, I suggest setting a daily and weekly routine for yourself. For instance, a helpful way to accomplish this is by creating a list of daily, weekly, and monthly goals and tasks for yourself in each area of your life. While the lists may feel overwhelming, it helps provide clarity and organization in your life that enables you to feel more confident in your awareness for what lies ahead. In doing so, you are setting yourself up for success and putting pen to paper. With one step at a time, you are able to accomplish your goals and, if nothing else, receive the satisfaction of inscribing a check mark beside a completed task. No matter your personality, everyone needs some structural system to achieve success. 

Additionally, unlike high school classes, you now have more freedom and flexibility in your days with classes being spread out across different time frames. For some, this is exciting while for others this can be overwhelming. No matter where you fall in this, it’s helpful to see your day as a 9am-5pm job. This can look like trying to complete as much as your homework as possible during this time frame. One of the reasons I suggest looking at your days in this way comes with my next point: the importance of prioritizing your sleep. While this may seem obvious, sleep is critical. In college especially it can be easy to adjust your normal sleep schedule and thus fall out of the optimal sleep pattern. However, getting sufficient sleep will only allow you to perform at a higher level and maintain your overall health. 

Other than these important practical tips, feelings of homesickness can still exist and even inhibit your ability to successfully live on your own. While you may be on your own in the sense that you are away from the comfort of your home, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. At Hope College, community exists. From events within residential halls to weekly student-wide activities hosted by Hope’s Student Activities Committee to a myriad of student organizations and everything in between, communities of belonging, fellowship, and fun extend across campus. As a result, I have found that a great remedy for homesickness is to get involved. Not only will this perhaps take your mind off of your anxious feelings, but it will also help you form communities. And in doing so, you’ll be able to connect with others similarly navigating the journey of living away from home. 

What to do when you don’t want to do anything

It’s that time of year again. The skies are gray, the homework is piling up, and the motivation to do anything but sleep is scarce. We’ve all been there. Unfortunately, the reality of college life is that you still have to get stuff done even when you desperately don’t want to. So, here are a few methods I’ve found that help me get up and get going. 

Go somewhere that isn’t your dorm

If you’re someone who can be productive in your dorm, that’s great! I am not that person. When I’m in my room, I either end up talking to my roommates, on my phone, or taking a nap. Knowing this, one of my number one tips for dealing with low motivation is leaving your dorm and going somewhere else. It doesn’t matter where. You just need to go somewhere else. By getting a change of scenery, you’re actually doing a lot more than you realize. For one thing, you’re getting outside when you might not have otherwise. Even if it’s just a minute, being outside can improve your mood and motivation levels. You’re also getting some walking in, which can also be helpful. I’ve found that even when I would rather do anything besides what’s on my to-do list, I can usually get something done by getting out of my dorm. 

Get together with friends

Friends are great for getting you motivated and keeping you accountable. Whenever I study with a group I find that I have a lot more fun than if I made myself do it alone. If you have a bunch of friends in the same class, it can be helpful to meet and help each other with what you’re struggling on. But even if you’re all in different classes, you can still help each other. Explaining problems you’re having with assignments or papers to each other can be super helpful, even if the person you’re talking to has no knowledge of the subject. If you get side tracked and end up talking about things that are unrelated to school, it’s still good to be with friends. 

Go to the academic success center

There are times when a change of location or studying with friends isn’t enough, and that’s okay! If you find yourself really struggling to keep up with your schoolwork, Hope’s Academic Success Center is here to help. You can make an appointment with an advisor, get tutoring, or find a group study session for one of your classes. Everything is confidential, so nobody has to know you were there besides your advisor, tutor, or study group. But even though nobody has to know, nobody will judge you for needing help. I’ve had an appointment there and so have a bunch of my friends. When life as a student gets tough, the best thing you can do for yourself is ask for help. 

You got this! No slump lasts forever, even though sometimes it feels like it will. Nobody is at their peak all the time, so you’re not alone. There are ways to beat the winter blues and get things done.