My Summer Research Experience

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I signed myself up for summer research at Hope. I thought it would just be something to put on my resume, but it ended up being so much more. By the time research ended, I found myself with new friends, an app on the app store, and a vision of what my future could look like. 

Going back to Holland

After one week at home after exams, I was back in Holland. Although Holland wasn’t new to me, my life looked vastly different compared to the school year. Instead of the familiarity of the on campus dorms, I was in a cottage on 14th Street, which I certainly wasn’t complaining about, especially since it was air conditioned. I also had a car, which allowed me to go to places in Holland that I wasn’t able to before. These changes made it feel like I was in a new world, and in this unfamiliar environment, I found myself growing anxious. What would research be like? Could I handle such a different schedule from the school year?

Research

Although I was nervous going into research, that feeling quickly went away. I discovered that I got along well with everyone else in the computer lab. In addition to this, learning a new programming language wasn’t nearly as difficult as I anticipated. We were given a week to get familiar with it before we were expected to start working on our project, so I felt prepared when it came time to put what we learned into practice.

Once we got into the swing of things, time flew by. My partner and I got in contact with Kids Hope USA, the organization we were working for, to get an idea of what they needed. While we were coding, we did both front end and back end development for the app. This included designing the app layout, making connections to Kids Hope USA’s WordPress website, enabling users to send messages and reports to the organization, creating app-specific features, and more. We worked in two week periods, and at the end of each we released what we had developed.

Although we accomplished a lot over nine weeks, it wasn’t all work. We enjoyed lunch from the computer science department once a week, which gave us a chance to talk to each other and the professors that led our projects. Also, when we found ourselves in need of a brain break, we played one or two (or more) rounds of hangman. This routine continued throughout the summer, until we found ourselves at the end.

Before I knew it, summer research was over. As one last hurrah, the computer science lab went to eat breakfast at the Windmill in our pajamas. After getting our stuff out of the lab, I began my drive home. Although I would miss the life I had while doing research, I was excited to see what the future had in store for me. This experience affirmed that app development is something I would like to go into as a career, and I was (and still am) looking forward to when my next app development experience will be.

Want to apply?

If you want to apply for summer research, I highly recommend it! If you’re interested, her are a few things I did that made the process a lot easier. First, I went to the Klooster center. Despite what you may think, the Klooster center isn’t just for classes. I took my application essay there and the mentor I was paired with helped me make it the best it could be. Besides going to the Klooster center, I also set up a meeting with the professor whose project I was most interested in. The idea of doing so didn’t even cross my mind until a friend with more research experience encouraged me to do so. I was nervous, but meeting with the professor helped me get a better idea of what the summer would look like. So if you want to apply, go for it! It’s worth it!

The Great Cloud of Witnesses: Campus Ministries at Hope

Campus Ministries is one of my favorite places on Hope’s campus.  It perches on a hill near the edge of the Pine Grove.  In just the past year, it has held memories of early morning study sessions, nights reading by the fire, and days on the porch playing card games with friends.  Memories of meeting with chaplains, worshiping on the hill, and Bible Studies.  Campus Ministries has brought me the community I always hoped for, but never thought possible.

worshipping on the hill with friends: spring semester 2023

Coming to Hope, I didn’t know much about faith life on campus.  I wanted to join a local church and a Bible Study, but I wasn’t aware of what Campus Ministries offered or if it would be something a lot of people participated in. A friend and I decided to go to the very first Sunday night Gathering service together, and everything changed. 

Every part of the Gathering captivated me: the student-led worship, the chaplains available to pray with us, and everyone who had given up their Sunday nights to pursue God.  In a season where everything felt unfamiliar, this was safe.

At the close of the service, we joined hands across every aisle.  I blinked away tears as we sang the Doxology.

praise God from whom all blessings flow

praise God all creatures here below…

This was a pivotal moment in my transition to Hope.  It reminded me that I was not alone.  God was with me, and I was hand-in-hand with a community He’d called me into for such a time as this.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…

Hebrews 12:1

Campus Ministries has provided me with an immediate cloud of witnesses to pursue the Lord with; people who encourage me and run with me. Along with corporate worship, they also organize Bible Studies and Immersion Trips.  I’ve been blessed by my participation in all of these things.

As I write this, I’m sitting downstairs in the Campus Ministries building. It’s a study space, a meeting place, and where the chaplains have their offices.  There is always complementary coffee here, always a chaplain greeting you, and likely a friend or two to catch up with.  I find myself here for at least some time every single day.

There is simply no place I’d rather be than surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses here at Hope.  Whether we’re studying in the building together, worshiping on the hill, or singing the Doxology hand-in-hand… the Lord has used Campus Ministries to change my life and show me that I am never alone.

Mentorship and Internship Experiences: Thank you, Hope!

This past summer, I interned at Dow – the third largest chemical company in the world. While participating in the company’s Commercial Development Program, I gained invaluable professional and personal development experience, and I built life-long friendships with fellow interns from across the globe. Without Hope College, I would not have been exposed to this opportunity. Through the College’s Economics and Business department, I attended an information session on Dow’s Commercial Development Program despite being unaware of the program and knowing little information about the company. This session ignited my interest in Dow, and I was connected with alumni recruiting students for internship and full-time positions at the company. While at Dow this summer, I was also introduced to multiple Hope College alumni working for the company of over 37,500 total employees, many of whom had also gone through the Commercial Development Program. They provided encouragement, support, and advice to me throughout my summer internship. I am grateful to have been able to participate and contribute to the work of Dow this past summer, and I am thankful to Hope for enabling me the resources and exposure to pursue this experience. 

This is just one example of the plethora of internship and mentorship opportunities that Hope College offers students. For instance, Hope College also offers Hope College Connection, which is a platform that joins students with alumni and families from the College. Through this platform, I participated in the DiscoverWork program, which is an opportunity for students to gain shadowing experience with Hope alumni and/or professionals associated with the College that are currently working in their field of interest. This experience revealed to me the dedication and generosity of the College’s alumni. It also gave me deep insights into the business industry that backed my classroom curriculum.

In addition, I am currently working as a student consultant through Hope College’s Center for Leadership Consulting Program. In this role, I work within a team of three other students, a team coach, and a subject matter expert on a semester-long project for a company. From collaborating with peers to learning from the coach and subject matter expert to interactions with the client, I have gained a holistic perspective and formation into the world of business. I have been able to both employ skills learned within my courses while also developing new capabilities formed outside of the classroom. From conducting market analyses to presenting to executive leaders to achieving weekly deliverables, I have been able to sharpen my business knowledge and skills. This program pulls students from a variety of backgrounds, interests, and majors in order to help companies tackle their complex challenges. I look forward to continuing to participate in this phenomenal program. 

Hope College also has an office dedicated to students’ career development – the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career. This office supports students along their professional journey through a variety of resources. For example, the Boerigter Center offers one-on-one appointments with students to discuss career discernment, identify their areas of strength, and ways to seek mentorship and internship experiences. The center also provides tools for preparing application materials, such as resume and cover letter guides as well as mock interview appointments. I have personally benefited from these resources. The Boerigter Center also hosts multiple events throughout the year. One such event is the Career Fair, in which companies ranging in industries, sizes, and regions visit Hope College’s campus to recruit students for employment opportunities. I enjoyed attending this semester’s Career Fair on September 27th. 

As a Hope College student, I am deeply grateful for the variety of ways the College provides professional and personal development, of which will serve me during my time in college and beyond.

My Top 5 at Hope!

Last spring, the end of my freshman year, I dedicated a page in my journal to all my favorite things about Hope College. I’d only been a part of this place for a number of months and yet I loved it deeply. Going home for the summer and catching up with high school friends, I found that loving my college was not the norm. Many of these friends had very different experiences than mine– making it clear that the things I love most about Hope are not things every school offers. I can’t enumerate all I love about this place, but here are five aspects I want to share– things I truly adore about Hope College.

1: Academic Atmosphere

I love the academic atmosphere at Hope. Every professor I’ve had the privilege to cross paths with has made an effort to learn my name and know me as more than just a number. They are quick to answer questions, ask how they can pray for me, and invite me and my classmates into their lives. I’ve met faculty’s children, spouses, and dogs. I am checked in on and deeply engaged with. This level of investment is such a blessing.

2: Physical Atmosphere

The physical atmosphere of Hope College, Holland, and Lake Michigan are all things I love about this place I call home. Our campus is stunning in every season. In fall, Hope transforms into a cozy, colorful, perfect place to study.  In winter, Dimnent Chapel is covered with a glistening blanket of snow. In spring, tulips bud just in time for Holland’s annual Tulip Time festival. In summer, hammockers take the Pine Grove by storm, and the grass is greener than you ever thought possible last December. I love watching these changes unfold.

3: President Scogin

In my leadership class, we’re learning that effective leaders genuinely engage with their followers. President Scogin does exactly this– even at similar small colleges, it’s rare to have a president that lives on campus with his family, knows many of his students’ names, and eats in the dining hall with everyone else. Last Halloween, all of campus was even invited to Trick or Treat at Scogin’s house. I love that we have a president who cares.

4. Community

I also love the community here at Hope. No matter what you’re interested in, you can find people here who love the same things. There’s a jazz band, a Lego Club, and an annual Tug-of-War Contest; truly something for everyone. I found my best friends at Hope, and each semester I meet even more people who make an imprint on me.

a few of the sweet friends I was blessed to find at Hope!

5. Campus Ministries

I found my community primarily through Campus Ministries at Hope, and it’s one of my favorite things about being a student here. The Campus Ministries building itself is a wonderful study space budding with community and chaplains who want to get to know students, answer questions, and engage in conversation. Campus Ministries organizes Bible Studies, Spring Break Immersion Trips, chapels, and the Gathering (Sunday night services).  All of these experiences have been integral parts of my experience at Hope and I’m so grateful for all God has brought into my life through Campus Ministries.

Wrapping it Up:

Some of my classmates have known their whole lives they would go to Hope.  Others, like myself, approached the college decision with much less confidence. Do I want to attend a public school, or a private one? Big or small? Liberal arts or not? These questions rolled through my mind until spring break of my senior year. Maybe that’s you too… you, or your son, or your daughter. I was there not so long ago. But now, I’m in a new place completely. I’m at a school I can say I love. I’m surrounded by people– professors, a president, a community and chaplains– who love me. I couldn’t be more grateful. 

Away From Hope

Has it ever occurred to you that you can earn credits for course requirements off Hope’s campus? Have you heard someone talking about studying abroad?

From a first-hand perspective I can tell you to go. Go out. Explore the world studying abroad. Take a month, two months, or if you are zealous, take an entire semester to travel! There are so many options for you!

You can study Art in Austria, Education in Liverpool, Science in Australia and more! Or you can opt to study in another state, instead of traveling to another country. The world is open for you, take hold of it.

My Experience

I wrestled for a year with the idea of studying abroad. My entire Sophomore year was spent debating if it would be beneficial. If I would have the funds. If I would have the time. So, when Junior year rolled around and the email went out inviting students to apply to study abroad I shrugged my shoulder and figured it was worth at least applying. There was no guarantee I would go due to limited seats.

You can about imagine my surprise when I got accepted to study abroad for the month of May in Vienna, Austria. I also got my first pick class, Art and Architecture. I was nervous to begin raising money, and ensuring I was paying enough on time was hard. But it was so incredibly worth it.

There were some bumps in the road when I was finally in Vienna, but by the end of the month, I didn’t want to leave. Vienna had managed to worm it’s way into my heart. Sure, I was in class every morning, and there was homework, but my afternoons were free to explore and wander wherever I wanted. I got to see so much of the world.

So, battle those nerves and doubts. Take the chance. Go. Explore. Open doors that would have normally been closed.

My Best Advice to an Incoming Freshman from a Hope College Senior

From a Hope College Senior writing to an incoming Freshman, this is my best advice for you: 

Fight the urge to compare yourself to other freshmen. Every upperclassman I know can recall a moment when they called their mom on the phone and said or felt some version of, “It just feels like everyone else is doing so well, adjusting so easily, fitting in, handling the homework, making friends so much more easily than I am. Why am I struggling so much more than they are?” I cannot emphasize enough that everyone–everyone–is feeling this way, has felt this way at some point, or is going to feel it later. It’s so normal, and it’s also not forever. It may take some time, maybe even more time than you want it to, but it will get better. 

Don’t overplan your college years. I completely understand that some majors require a stricter four-year plan than others, and it is by every means responsible and honorable to want to graduate in four years with a sturdy plan in place. Not to mention it takes about one advising meeting to convince yourself that you are somehow already behind on clinical hours, or research hours or internships. I promise, there is no clear cut, perfect path to arrive at your desired future career. Plan what you can, and leave plenty of room for God to work and even change the plans you made. One of my favorite verses this last year has been Proverbs 16:9 which says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Some of my unexpected turns during my own personal journey at Hope included friend group shifts, changing my major half way through Sophomore year, and even a global pandemic that cut my Freshman year short and sent most of my classes the next fall onto Zoom. And here I am – I’m still graduating, on-time, with two completed majors, and a bucket full of amazing memories and lifelong friendships. I’m incredibly grateful that God’s plans were different from my expectations.

Leading into my next point: Be present. Four years goes so, so much faster than you think. It’s easy to feel at times that the homework is never ending, and a billion responsibilities are pulling at your attention ranging all the way from trying to find time between classes to eat lunch all the way to mapping out your future. One of the decisions I am most grateful for making Freshman year was minimizing my commitments. It’s so easy to get sucked into signing up for every club, every society, and every IM team. I am a huge proponent for trying things out, and all of those are great opportunities to meet new people. However, rest is necessary and healthy even. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like your value is wrapped up in your involvement. Do the things you really want to do, block out time after your 8:00AMs to take a nap if you need it and know it really is okay if you don’t have plans every Friday night. 

Some practical other tips: Call your parents and siblings, they miss you. Your clothes will actually shrink in the dryer – it’s not a myth. Prioritize friendships that build you up. Seek out mentors – that is one of the greatest things about Hope. I am so thankful for the relationships I have with my professors; they want to know you! I’ve heard it said, “You’ll find what you’re looking for here.” It makes me sad that I know many seniors that wanted to prioritize their faith at Hope and didn’t make the time. Don’t miss that opportunity. Also, don’t buy coffee out everyday – I learned that one the hard way. And take lots of mental pictures of all the good days, all the hard days, and all the really normal feeling days. 

Enjoy your normal days. Someday you’re going to miss them. 

Why Hope College?

If you ask a Hope student why they chose to come here, you’ll hear different answers every time. There are countless reasons to come here. Personally, what drew me here is how Hope as an institution is often described, which is as a small, Christian, liberal arts school. 

Small

Hope has a little over 3000 students. This size doesn’t make it feel too small, but it’s great for making close connections with both students and faculty alike. Walking around campus, it feels like I see friends around every corner. In the classroom, you’re not just a name on the attendance sheet. Your professors actually know and care about you. My general education classes have had a class size of around 20–30 people, but as I’ve gotten into classes for my major that number has shrunk, which has made me feel closer to the people in my department. 

Christian

Faith permeates the culture on campus. There are many opportunities to join bible studies, prayer groups, and fellowship with the rest of the college community. However, there isn’t an enforced one way to believe. There’s plenty of room for everyone to decide what their faith looks like, or if they even have faith at all. 

Liberal Arts

Hope’s emphasis on general education allows students to explore their interests even if they’re totally unrelated to their major. Even as a freshman, I’ve been able to explore so much of my interests that lie outside what I intend to major in. Also, it’s really easy to double major in two totally unrelated topics. I want to double major in computer science and Chinese studies. Not only do I have room to do both, I have room to take elective classes, even though I only transferred in two credits. 

There are many reasons to choose Hope, including several that I didn’t cover. However, I think the most compelling reasons come from how Hope is described: as a small, Christian, liberal arts school.

Art is a Lifestyle

“Artists have the hardest time finding a stable career.” People would tell me that I would not be successful until later in life if I studied in the arts. “Who studies art?” “What is there to learn about the arts in a classroom? Can’t you teach yourself with a Youtube video?” These are all questions that have caused me to wonder why I am studying art at Hope College. What benefit is there in studying the arts?

Well, I am here to tell you as a Creative Writing Major and Studio Art Minor that the arts are very much worth studying.

Peace of Mind

Personally art has always given me a sense of peace. I would express myself through words on a page or lines across a canvas. In my life I have struggled with a sense of self. I didn’t know who I was and art allowed me to explore myself. I would look deep inside and create images and stories with emotion and power.

Everyone I talk to who studies in the arts have expressed the same discovery. The same passion. From dancing to writing to theater or music people are given the chance to search themselves. Studying the arts may seem “useless” to some people. Yet, those words themselves are useless against the strength of the arts. Even if you do not seek a degree in the arts, just engaging in them is fulfilling.

Ability to Explore

You can change who you are through art. You could become an adventurer in a forgotten city, a scorned lover, anything you desire. To other people this may seem like an overactive imagination and fascination with fantasy, but it isn’t. It’s an exploration of the mind and strengthening the imagination so many lose as they grow up.

You can explore other worlds but you can also explore the inner mind, yourself and who you are.

Benefits of Studying

After I was asked what one could even learn taking classes on how to write I began to wonder that myself. What was I actually learning that practice couldn’t teach me? What was the benefit of writing? Couldn’t it just be a side-hobby? I would make more money studying something else, right?

While the answer to the last question is: probably, there is so much to be gained from studying an art. Personally, I have gained more wisdom from my professors and learning from their experiences than I have from simply reading. I have furthered my abilities to write in different genres successfully and explored what topics really fascinate me.

Settling is unpleasurable. Why would you settle for something you do not love purely because that was all the internet had to offer you? I settled in high school. I chose to only write the genres I read, which were fantasy in the third person perspective. Along the same lines, I only drew what others were drawing: animals and hyper-realistic people.

Studying an art can broaden your horizons. Give you a deeper connection to the world and those around you that you may have never had before. You should never let others’ opinions of your love in the arts change how you view the benefit of the arts.

Create and allow yourself to get lost in what you love. Deepen your understandings and broaden your horizons. You shouldn’t stay stuck simply because you are challenged. Be you, be true, and be creative.

The Reality of Campus Visits

I love Anchor Days–the sea of visiting students who can’t quite figure out the least awkward way to hold their bright orange folders and the parents buzzing with excitement, pride, and nostalgia, all while simultaneously feeling directionally challenged and overstimulated. I love visit days, not just because of the extra energy at chapel or the fact that Phelps will have burritos, but because they remind me of my own visit days. They provide a gentle reminder that I made the right choice when I chose Hope College. 

Many of you visiting students will have great visit days. Hope has an excellent admissions department, knowledgeable and welcoming student tour guides, an abundance of opportunities to meet with faculty and staff during visits, and a beautiful campus that seems to speak for itself. I’ll never forget how my mom gawked at every little detail of campus during my visits at Hope–even down to how nice the soap dispensers were. True story. 

Every high school senior on a campus tour is holding out for that moment that everyone seems to talk about when the clouds part, and they know in their soul that they found their school–their very own go-buy-a-sweatshirt-from-the-bookstore moment. 

I remember how badly I wanted to have my college decision decided. I loved Hope, but I couldn’t figure out why the decision felt so unclear and anxiety-inducing for me. My college tours weren’t all sunshine and rainbows. No clouds parted, no voice from Heaven told me to go buy a Hope sweatshirt, and no matter how well my tours seemed to go, anxiety turned to tears on every trip home. I couldn’t figure out why everyone else seemed so excited for college, and why I felt so afraid, anxious, and didn’t feel ready for the next season of my life to begin. 

When I see visiting students around campus that walk with excitement and anticipation, I feel so excited with them, but I empathize so much more with the students who are trying to hide how uncomfortable and uncertain they are about their futures. 

So what I would say to the high school senior who can’t wait to get to Hope next fall is: I’m so excited for you. The friendships, growth, and wisdom that Hope has given me the last four years is one of the biggest blessings of my life. Finish high school strong, hug your mom a million times a day and wear the heck out of that sweatshirt. Go crazy. 

But for the anxious visiting student, what I wish someone had said to me on my own college visits is: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Visit days are tough–it’s okay if you’re not feeling excited to leave home yet. Don’t compare yourself to other people; they’re most likely feeling scared and awkward too, even if they’re not showing it. Home is always going to be there. Trust God to give you the courage you need to take the next right step, and remember that if the school you decide to go to doesn’t feel right in a semester or two–it doesn’t have to be permanent. But right now, feel what you need to feel, sneak away from campus to buy a coffee downtown, and even cry all the way home if you need to. 

Coming from someone who did all of those things, across multiple visit days, you’re going to be okay. I can’t argue with the reality that your life is changing, but you are more ready for it than you think you are. My four years have had challenges of their own, but I am so thankful I took a chance on Hope. 

The metamorphic 8,107 miles of my college career

As an international student, it is hard to believe that a city kid like me would be going to a small town of Holland, Michigan, for college. I must admit that it was a process to go through and the fact that not a lot of people are able to have this opportunity made me appreciate this moment more. Yet, I must admit that this was quite a journey to go through as I had to make numerous sacrifices like living more than 8,000 miles away from the Philippines and leaving my family and friends behind. It was also not easy for me to accept the fact that I had to sacrifice that happiness for this. However, I think that being able to pursue so many opportunities through Hope College has made me grounded with my purpose.

Fall ’20 semester in my bedroom

In 2020, I was simply studying at the comfort of my own house and appreciating the fact that I was in college – it was something I was very grateful for. The Philippines is 12 hours ahead of Holland, which meant that all of my classes were in the middle of the night during the pandemic. However, I spent so much time with family during this time and being able to see their faces every day was amazing. Then came January 4, 2021 – the most emotional day of my life as I had to leave and go to Hope College to continue my studies. We understood the difficulties of communicating and being far away from each other and tried to make the most of what we are working with at the time.

First day at Hope College in Spring 2021.

When I arrived in Holland, Michigan, I immediately got a mild fever as I felt the shock of the snowy weather. I must admit that adjusting from a tropical to a winter climate was not the best feeling. Alongside that, I was also not completely adjusted to the time difference and being very different on campus as a Filipino international student. Yet, little did I know that these difficulties would turn into surpassing my expectations of where I am today.

From being a researcher within the STEM field to focusing a lot of work on diversity, equity and inclusion, I felt like the pace of my life drastically changed so quick to the point everyone back home was shocked. As an international student, I really tried to take advantage of all the resources I had while also learning about my limits as a person. Despite all of these successes, I also felt like there were so many failures and hardships of living far away and not sharing these moments with family. There would be times that I was feeling homesick along with being burned out from school and activities.

However, I am so grateful for the constant communication I would have with my parents online as they continued to guide me through this journey. It is sometimes hard to think of this distance, but I think that their presence really means the most to me. Below are pictures of my family from back home on both my mom and dad’s side.

Jairus' family in a group all wearing different shades of pink.
Jairus' family sitting outside at night in a group.

As I look to the future of graduation in a year, I encourage my peers to cherish the idea of being with friends and family. I think that this kept me motivated and powered-up as an international student.

Recently, I went home to the Philippines for the first time for the holidays and it was such a magical moment to be able to laugh and be with my friends and family. I felt like a part of me was rejuvenated.

Last photo with my parents before I left for Spring 2023

I am extremely thankful for Hope College and the opportunities that I have been given as I navigate through this journey of being an international student, for my peers and mentors, and for my host families who have guided me along this journey!