Three Underrated Things About Dorm Life

In my experience, living in dorms is better than most people make it out to be. While I certainly don’t mind having my own room when I go back home, there are a lot of positives about dorm life that tend to get overlooked. I especially realize this now that a lot of my friends are in apartments and cottages, and I can see what their experiences have been like. So, without further ado, let’s take a moment and appreciate all the great things that living in a dorm comes with. 

Being Closer to Everything

If there’s one thing I’m a sucker for, it’s convenience. I appreciate nothing more than having to take as little time as possible to get to my destination. This is one of the reasons why I love the dorms so much: they’re closer to everything. I’m a computer science major, and part of why I chose to live in Voorhees this year is that I wanted to be closer to Van Zoeren, which is home to the computer science department. I also have a dual major in philosophy, and Voorhees is also quite close to Lubbers, which is where the philosophy department resides. As someone who isn’t exactly a morning person, I’m grateful that the two buildings I’m in most are basically within arm’s reach. Especially with the cold winter weather, I want to be inside as quickly as possible, and being in a dorm allows me to do that. 

Impromptu Hangouts

One of the awesome things about being in a building with a bunch of your friends is that it becomes really easy to hang out without much prior planning. Lately I’ve been watching a show with some friends, and since we all live in the same place, we can just swing by each other’s rooms and watch another episode. Sometimes I even get to spend time with my friends without intending to do so. If I do homework in the lobby, it’s very likely that at least one person will come and join me. With college being so busy, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to try to balance homework and maintaining friendships. I’m grateful for any chance I get to make the latter easier. 

Having Less to Clean

Besides friendships, another thing that’s hard to maintain while you’re in college is the cleanliness of your room. I’m already not the neatest of people (which my roommates know quite well), but it feels nearly impossible to stay organized with a million deadlines looming over your head. That’s why I deeply appreciate not having that much to clean in the first place. I can’t imagine having to take the time to maintain a bathroom, a kitchen and a living room on top of my personal space. I’m grateful that Hope has amazing custodial staff that take care of the residential hall common areas. 

Living in a dorm is a unique experience that many people only experience in college. While it will never be sunshine and roses one hundred percent of the time, I think there’s a lot of really great aspects to it that often don’t get talked about enough. So if you live in a dorm, savor it! Your time there is limited. And if you’re a prospective student worried about the transition to dorm life, take it from me: there’s a lot of things to love about the dorms.

The Arts at Hope

Hope College is a great place for the arts! Even if you’re not majoring or minoring in an arts field, there’s lots of opportunities to get involved. Whether it’s for a general education requirement or just for fun, there are many areas to try out, from theater to music to dance.

Theater

Regardless of your experience level, anyone can audition for a play at Hope. There are multiple each semester, so lots of people are needed to make them happen. If you can’t commit to doing a full length play, there are also 10 minute scenes you can audition for that are put on by the Directing I class. Is acting not your thing? No worries! The theater always needs people to run sound and lights, build props, usher, and more. No matter where your skill set lies, there is a place for you in Hope’s theater department. A lot of my friends have experiences in different areas of theater, and they have all spoken very highly of their time there. One person I know took Acting for the Non-Major, which fulfilled his fine arts credit and was great for him to get into acting for the first time.

Music

There are more than 20 different ensembles on campus that students can join. For voice, there are two choirs for all voice types, and one all-women’s choir. If you play an instrument, there is a concert band, a jazz band, an orchestra, and more! Instead of an ensemble (or in addition to), you can also take lessons. Right now I’m in piano lessons to fulfill part of my fine arts credit, and it’s great! I get to have a one-on-one lesson with my instructor once a week where we go over how my practice has been going and what I can do to further improve. In addition to this, we have a studio class once a week where all the piano students come together and play for each other. Everyone has great feedback, and they’re all super supportive!

Dance

Anyone can take a dance class at Hope. There are classes for tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and modern dance offered at all skill levels. Any one of these classes can count for a fine arts credit, so a dance class can be a great alternative to music. If you don’t want to commit to a semester-long class, you can also dance in one of Hope’s clubs. We have Swing Dance, Sacred Dance, Ballet Club, and Hip Hop Anonymous, so there’s something for everyone. I’ve only gotten the chance to go to Swing Dance, but everyone there was super welcoming. I could sit out or join a dance whenever I wanted, and sometimes they would do larger group dances. Even though I’m hardly a dancer, I found it super easy to join and I quickly became comfortable with the moves

Studio Arts

Whether you’re an art prodigy or unable to draw more than a stick figure, there’s a studio art class for you. It’s not just painting or drawing either. You can also explore ceramics, sculpture, printmaking and more! Regardless of which class you choose, studio art classes at Hope are a great way to fulfill your general education requirement and unleash your creativity.

At Hope College, the arts are for everyone. They’re a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. No matter your interests, skill set, or commitment level, there is a place for you. Any campus group would love for you to be there!

Advice on Maximizing the Admissions Journey

Throughout high school and most especially during this time of year for senior students, high schoolers are asked the seemingly paramount question – where will you be attending college? From the academic advising office to the holiday dinner table to chatter among friends, this single question seems synonymous with high schoolers’ very own identity. For some, this question is welcomed with exciting anticipation for the college adventure to come while for others it serves as an endless reminder of the frightening unknown ahead. Whether the admissions process feels daunting or exciting, there are ways to optimize the experience, enabling you to shine throughout the application and ultimately gain insight throughout the journey! 

Tackle the application in phases  

Similar to any other major assignment, project, or event, it’s important to give yourself and your application the necessary time and space. The best way to do so is through breaking down the parts of the process into different stages. For example, start with a planning phase where you are able to create an organizational system for yourself. Begin with writing down the various deadlines. As a sucker for color coding, I suggest finding your favorite colored gel pens that will be there alongside you on your journey. It is also helpful to write down other commitments outside of the application process that may be occurring around the same time, allowing you to plan accordingly. During this initial planning phase, I see it as laying the blueprint for the process. With a sufficient amount of time before the application deadline, it can be helpful to categorize what you would like to achieve each month, week, and/or day that will ultimately assist you in achieving your goals. Perhaps starting with dedicating a few weeks to gather information both on potential colleges to apply to (while reminding yourself that you don’t have to have it figured out!) as well as information on yourself. Creating spreadsheets and lists allows you to categorize external research on colleges and requirements, as well as internal information pertaining to yourself throughout your entire high school career. This will greatly benefit you during the essay writing process. Other steps of the incremental process could include setting aside a specific amount of time for the background information section of the essay and obtaining letters of recommendation. Additionally, this incremental approach tends to be even more important during the essay writing phase. You want to leave time to receive several cycles of feedback from counselors or family as well as enable yourself to shape and mold each essay into what you hope to best convey, ultimately allowing you to hit that submit button with confidence and gratification. 

Connect with a high school and college counselors 

One of the most helpful pieces of advice is meeting regularly with high school counselors as well as reaching out to college counselors. If you don’t have access to a high school counselor, finding a teacher or administrator steeped in the knowledge and intricacies of the process – or can connect you with such an individual – is greatly beneficial. An advisor can assist you throughout the journey, serving both as a source of encouragement and accountability. Though sometimes missed, I found it to be very helpful to foster a relationship with your college admissions rep. This allows you to provide updates on achievements, gain a better sense of the institution, and feel known amid thousands of applications. Even if the school you are applying to doesn’t require interviews, I suggest inquiring about setting up a meeting or call with your college counselor. For me, I’ve found that more often than not, your high school and college counselors want to help you – don’t be afraid to use them as a valuable resource! 

Foster self-awareness

Though the process can feel overwhelming and time-sensitive, it’s important to remember that you are in the driver seat! Take time for yourself to intentionally take account of your goals, progress, and how you are personally doing. What do you want from this experience and how do you want it to unfold? As crazy as it sounds, the process can serve you beyond just your college application. Amid the experience, you can learn much about yourself, and you want to be able to have the space to recognize this development. Allow yourself the ability to maximize this time as an enlightening, engaging, and even, dare I say fun experience. With this renewed lens, you’ll be able to proceed with greater enrichment, fulfillment, and gratitude.   

Visiting Hope College

I toured Hope in August 2021, right before I started my senior year of high school.  I had been on plenty of college tours before, and kept visiting schools after my trip to Hope.  Still, this certain visit stood out in my mind through my college decision process.  In fact, the nature of my visit to Hope was fundamental to my choice to come to school here.

Prospective students can sign up for individual tours, which is what I did alongside my mom.  Admissions works to match students with tour guides that are studying or involved in what visitors are interested in.  My tour guide was a Communications major, helping me learn a little more about the field through our conversation.  He also personally introduced me to a Communication department professor, who ended up sending me a handwritten note in the mail following our conversation.  The personal nature of my tour and the way that even faculty were inclined to engage with me was very impactful.  My visit at Hope felt entirely different than any other school I visited.  I felt welcomed and wanted.

Dimnent Chapel is one of my favorite spots on campus!

There are many options for prospective tours to come visit Hope.  Like me, they can do a personal summer visit.  Students can also sign up for a personal visit during the week.  Another popular way to visit Hope is Anchor Days or Junior Days.  These happen many Fridays throughout the school year for senior and junior students, respectively.  Visiting students have the opportunity to be at Hope for a number of hours.  During this time, students and parents can attend different panels, go on a tour, eat lunch in the dining hall, and come to chapel if they would like.  I never came to an Anchor Day as a prospective student, but I wish I had. It would have only helped my decision-making process.  One of my friends, a sophomore now, actually came on three separate Anchor Days during her senior year of high school before ultimately committing to Hope. Besides opportunities like Anchor Days or summer visits, students can take a virtual tour of campus or come on an overnight visit to Hope.  All of these are great opportunities to get a better idea of what life at Hope is like.

Hope is made up of special types of people.  People that love, challenge, welcome, and make space for others.  I’m so glad I chose these to be my people.  Visiting students have the opportunity, through many avenues, to explore what being a person of Hope is all about. 

some of the people of Hope I’ve come to know and love!

Living in Holland

When you move to a town you aren’t accustomed to you might be wondering what there is to do. Well, have no fear! As someone who was living in Holland before attending Hope I am here to offer some ideas.

Downtown

This one is obvious. Since Hope is located right next to Downtown Holland you can easily walk there! Spend an afternoon browsing the small local shops and splurge on yourself.

Get some chocolate, or any kind of candy, at the Peanut Store. Browse books at Readers World. Update your wardrobe at the numerous clothing stores. You could even get coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner at any of the restaurants downtown.

You could even spend some time at the Farmer’s Market when it’s open! Get fresh produce, flowers, honey, coffee, jerky, wall decorations, etc. Support your local small businesses! It’s also a great way to get a walk in that is also entertaining.

Bowling

BAM! is an amazing place to send time with friends and family. You will probably have to drive to this one but it’s not too far. Go bowling, enjoy the arcade, eat food, play laser tag, go mini bowling! There is so much to do there.

Take a step back into childhood and let your inner child run free at BAM! There is so much to do that you can never be bored. Do make sure to make reservations though so you can ensure you get a spot in whichever activity you are after, they are often busy.

Rock Climbing

Scrapyard Climbing Collective is a rock climbing center and gym. They welcome beginners and will help you find your footing. But they also have challenges for more experienced climbers.

Spend an afternoon with your friends learning how to rock climb or challenging your friends to races up the walls! A great way to workout while still having fun and enjoying how you spend your time.

Walking

This one may seem boring, or extremely obvious, but the joys of a smaller town is the option to simply walk. Go to Window on the Waterfront. Walk to Kollen Park. Just walk around campus and experience the glorious Michigan seasons!

Walk around with some friends, or walk by yourself. There are so many things to look at and lot’s of older buildings. Maybe take a walk down to Windmill Island, and if it’s open, walk through it and visit De Zwaan, the windmill.

Seasonal

Depending on the season there could be several different events going on in Holland. Maybe there is a civil war reenactment, or when there is a celebration based around lots of flowers that are super popular around Holland (Tulip Time), there might even be a parade. Oftentimes Holland has different events going on, take a look at the Holland Sentinel if you are interested in participating in any of the events.

Museum

If you enjoy history then the Holland Museum might be the place for you to spend some time. Packed with Dutch artifacts, Holland artifacts, and exhibits that are often rotating you can rely on there being different exhibits every couple of months.

Spend time learning about Holland’s history, the history of immigration, and more! The artifacts displayed are very interesting and oftentimes things you have never seen before. Even if you don’t like history, there is always something interesting for everyone at a museum.

There is so much to do in Holland. Don’t waste time just sitting in your dorm; go out and enjoy the different seasons when you can! Find things to do! Make new friends and learn new things!

Transformed by Hope

Just a few hours ago, I took my last exam and wrapped up my third semester at Hope. Three down, five to go. I’m almost halfway through my time here, which blows my mind! The majority of my college experience still lies ahead but I can confidently say that thus far, I’ve been transformed in my time at Hope. As I learn to navigate life and balance responsibilities away from home, Hope has specifically helped to transform and develop my faith, my friendships and my academic experience.

Growing in Faith

I’ve grown in my faith significantly since coming to Hope in fall 2022. I went to a big public high school where I only knew a few other Christians. It’s been such a blessing to step into the abundant community of faith here at Hope. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of going to chapel every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and being able to worship alongside my peers and professors. This is such a unique experience that my friends at larger public schools don’t get. Chapel, the Gathering and everything Campus Ministries offers is completely optional for students. To me, this heightens its impact. If a student wants to attend chapel, they must prioritize it themselves. This has been a fruitful and transformational commitment for me as I surrender and allow the Lord to transform my life and heart through the daily rhythms I participate in here at Hope.

The act of moving to school away from home was a transformational act of faith for me. I’ve had to learn how to depend on God in new ways as I navigate this stage of my life at Hope. The support in faith and life that Campus Ministries chaplains and Bible Study leaders offer has been absolutely transformational in my journey here at Hope.

Growing in Friendship

Hope has given me the community that I’d always dreamed about, but never thought possible. It’s been beautiful to engage in deep and fruitful relationships with people from all over the country and world. The variety of organizations or groups on campus has allowed me to engage with students of all different majors and ages. Some of my close friends are a year or two years above me, which is not something that I could have said in high school. My closest friends are all studying a variety of disciplines from music to nursing, which has been a beautiful dynamic.

Navigating life alongside the friends I’ve found at Hope has been a blessing. Through the highs and lows of each semester, I am so grateful I’ve found a community and support system that truly wants the best for me. I’ve learned about what it means to be a real friend, and how to let someone be a real friend to me. These lessons have been transformational.

some of the deep friendships I am so grateful for!

Growing in Academics

I have not had a class at Hope so far that I didn’t enjoy or get something valuable out of. Time and time again, I go back to old notes from semesters past because the information I’ve learned in classes ranging from psychology to First Year Seminar was just so valuable.

While exam week has been exhausting, this week I found myself gratefully reflecting that I enjoy the content I’m studying and the projects I’m completing. My Hope experience has transformed the way I view academics. Rather than memorizing content to receive a certain grade, I’m challenged to let the content shape and even transform me. I’ve been able to build relationships with a number of amazing professors that acknowledge my potential and help me push myself in the classroom. I love school and learning, and that is something I’ve grown in through my time at Hope.

Overall, my time at Hope has truly challenged and transformed me. I’ve grown in my faith, my friendships, and my relationship with school. I’m so grateful for the way that I have been changed over the past three semesters, and expectant that the next five semesters will also hold their fair share of transformation. So here’s to the journey, transforming in Hope!

Hope’s Collaborative Culture Across Campus

One of my favorite aspects about Hope College is that I am more than just a number on campus – professors and faculty know, value, and care about the students. From the dining hall staff that greet me enthusiastically each morning to the classroom where my professors ask about how my cross country race went to faculty of the Boerigter Center who will send me job opportunities that they think I would be interested in and every interaction in between, Hope fosters an environment that cultivates meaningful relationships across campus. 

I am grateful for the opportunities that the College has made available for me to engage and collaborate with Hope professors, faculty, and staff. For example, I have worked as a student consultant through Hope’s Center for Leadership for two semesters so far. In this role, I have received deep mentorship and training from faculty and professors. By participating in this smaller group setting, I have been able to gain invaluable experience and hone my leadership abilities. Directly learning from subject matter experts and professionals in the industry has bolstered my skills, and I have been able to employ my learnings within the classroom as well as in my internships. Additionally, hearing their personal and professional journeys has provided me with perspective on my own career and calling journey. As each project assigns new coaches, I am able to learn from a diverse set of leaders while also maintain support and connections with past coaching mentors. 

With national rankings in its undergraduate research, Hope College offers a plethora of opportunities and resources for students to connect with professors and faculty for research experiences. Many students even stay in Holland over the summer to conduct research with professors from all different departments. I am grateful to participate in research through the biology department. As a student majoring in biology, I see my research as enlivening my course content. I am able to directly apply my acquired knowledge in a hands-on setting. In the lab, student development and growth as a scientist is prioritized. As such, each lab experience is a learning opportunity that allows me to directly collaborate with the professor and my lab group peers. Together, we work to design experiments, solve problems, and analyze results. I enjoy attending the College’s annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity (CURCA) at the end of the academic year, where I am amazed at the immense variety of fascinating research projects. From STEM to the humanities, these student research collaborations with faculty and professors drive inquiry and provide a holistic formation for students. 

For me, the intentional interactions and collaborations with Hope’s professors, faculty and staff have been one of my favorite aspects about the College. The vision of its Christian, liberal arts foundation is directly lived out at Hope in this way. As a result, my educational experience encompasses so much more than simply a degree – it cultivates character. I am able to learn from those around me and receive personal mentorship that helps me flourish and reach my fullest potential both as a student and as an individual. I will forever be grateful for the deep, synergetic community that Hope College cultivates between students, professors, faculty, and staff.

Making a Four Year Plan

Since registration happened recently, a lot of people I know, myself included, have been thinking a lot about the future. Not just in terms of next semester, but also for all four years at Hope and beyond. These thoughts are why I would encourage everyone to make a four year plan. For me, a four year plan has helped ease the anxiety surrounding the future as well as help me keep track of my major and general education requirements.

How to Make Your Plan

It’s easier than it sounds. First, make a spreadsheet and divide it between fall and spring semester. Then, input the classes that you’ve already taken, you’re currently taking, and the classes you’re registered for. After that, note the classes that count for general education and/or your major. I personally do bold for general education and colored text for major, but you can do whatever you like. And with that, you have the beginnings of a four year plan!

Planning Ahead

Now that you have your four year plan started, it’s time to plan ahead. Degree Works comes in handy for this, because it will tell you which requirements you haven’t fulfilled. Since the course schedules for upcoming years aren’t posted yet, you can’t make a totally concrete plan. However, a general idea of what’s to come is still helpful. It’s easy to find out when most classes are typically taught. If you click on any given course in Degree Works, it will say it is taught in the fall, the spring, both, or as needed. This knowledge can give you an idea of when you should take certain courses. However, there are some requirements that are still up in the air. For those, I just put the requirement name in the semester I think I’ll take it in. For example, I don’t know what my second 300 level computer science elective will be, so under Fall 2025 I just have “CSCI 300-2” listed instead of an actual course. This way, I still have the time blocked off even though I don’t actually know what I’ll take.

Fulfilling Requirements

Sometimes it can be tricky getting all of your requirements fulfilled. Luckily, a four year plan helps with that. Now that you have an idea of what classes will be taught in the future, you can plan when to fulfill your general education and major requirements. One thing I would encourage is to double count classes as much as possible. A lot of beginning major classes count for general education, but maximizing this will give you more leeway in your future schedules. Additionally, if you plan on studying abroad, it’s good to be mindful of what sort of courses you want to take abroad. There are some general education classes that work really well abroad, so you want to make sure to save those.

Electives

Depending on your major and how many credits you transferred in, you may have room to take classes just for fun. Awesome! While it’s important to plan ahead, when it comes to electives, this is the area with the most room for spontaneity. Since you have your four year plan, you know what you can do, so this is the time to just enjoy yourself. 

Making a four year plan may seem daunting, but in reality, it takes away a lot of the guesswork when it comes to registration. And a four year plan isn’t something you have to do alone! You can ask for help from your advisor, other people in your major, and your friends. They’re all more than happy to help. So now that you know how to make a four year plan, do it! I promise it’s worth it.

Maintaining Faith

Your schedule is busy, you’re running late to class, your homework isn’t done and you forgot to print something off for class. Your friends tried encouraging you to go to chapel, but you have no time. Even the idea of church on Sunday is exhausting. Devotions take too much time from homework. Praying takes time from a struggling sleep schedule. What do you do?

Breathe. Firstly, breathe. Take time for yourself and relax for a minute. Forcing yourself to do anything within your faith or religion with an exhausted mind is going to annoy you and push you further away. I’m here with some ideas for maintaining a spiritual life and maintaining spiritual practices for the student with an overwhelming schedule.

Listen to Yourself

What do you need at this exact moment? Do you need to sit in a quiet room? Watch a movie to distract your mind? Maybe take a walk? Do whatever that is first. Create a habit of it within your schedule. Don’t force yourself to stick to it. Things change and you will become overwhelmed if you force leisure into a packed day. Let the leisure happen when it happens, don’t force a schedule that will stress you more.

You need time for your mind to relax. A constantly burning brain will crash and you will struggle. Sleep isn’t always the solution but quieting your mind even for 20 minutes is enough to allow processing. Too much stress and your performance will decline.

Don’t force your faith either. Forcing your faith and spiritual practices will only make you miserable. You won’t enjoy it as much and you might not learn anything either because your brain is running in another direction instead of listening. When your faith is forced it falls from being personal and experiential to just another task you have to cross off your list for the day. Listen to what you need first.

Settle for Minimum

Striving for greatness all the time will burn you out. At Hope College, you aren’t required to go to Chapel. You are highly encouraged, and I will also encourage you to attend a few, but there is no one forcing you to go. So, go when you can. Don’t go if you know you will be worrying and stressing the entire time. Find a substitution to fit into your day.

If you can’t attend a Chapel because you have a massive project due for the class at 11:00 AM, maybe talk to a friend who went. Listen to them explain what happened and what they learned. You will still benefit from second-hand learning. This conversation could even strengthen the relationship as you connect over faith together. Or you could check out the livestream from that day at a later time.

You can still be faithful by praying for 2 minutes. A small check-in, that’s it. If structure within your faith is causing stress, try talking to God for a few minutes. You aren’t perfect and will never be expected to be in your faith.

Support Systems

Find a friend or a group that will help you stay accountable. But don’t settle for people who will discourage you if you can’t attend a meeting or hang-out. Your faith shouldn’t be forced on you from others. I know from personal experience that extreme pressure to be perfect in faith drives one away, because the stress that is experienced begins to be associated with faith and religious practices.

A good support system will keep you informed, but they will accept your business. All they should want from you is effort and the willingness to try. They will help you in maintaining your faith. If it truly is an aspect of your life that you want to prioritize more, then that must be worked on as well. Take care of yourself but be committed.

Final Note

You got this. God does not expect you to be perfect in your faith, but he does expect effort. Just try but don’t hold yourself to a level that will eventually ruin your sanity and pleasure in faith. If you aren’t enjoying your faith relationship then something is off. You aren’t doing anything wrong, there are just other things that may be overwhelming you.

As someone who struggled with a severely busy schedule and the desire to be perfect in their faith, I will tell you this; you are loved no matter what and you need the time to love yourself too.

On Campus Jobs at Hope

I love that Hope provides flexible student employment opportunities for its students.  Most of my friends and I have student jobs, which vary from tour guiding or overnight hosting to being a TA.  Personally, I’ve worked in Campus Print and Mail for a little over a semester.  From this experience, I would say that an on campus job can be both manageable and beneficial for students at Hope.

There are local businesses that hire students, such as coffee shops or stores downtown, but my first choice of a job would always be student employment.  Hope College employers are flexible and understanding.  Student workers are held to a high standard and depended upon, but employers understand and emphasize the importance of our academics as well.  My bosses in the mailroom (and my friends’ bosses from other on campus jobs) allow me to prioritize school and my health while keeping a position on staff.  For example, a few weeks ago, I needed to make up an exam during a scheduled shift.  My boss was very flexible with this, letting me go take the exam and then come into work after with no problem.  We are also encouraged to communicate when we are sick, which teaches students to both advocate and take care of themselves.  This culture allows me to have a job without hindering my academics or my health, something I’m deeply grateful for.

Something is always happening in the mailroom, whether I’m grabbing a package for a friend or loading the Amazon lockers in the hallway.  On campus jobs offer an engaging task to focus on that provide a break from academics while allowing time to be spent productively.  This lets me and other student workers pursue a better life balance at school.

On campus jobs give students another way to engage in community as well.  I work with a different person every shift, allowing me to meet people from all different years and academic disciplines.  I also never know who will come and pick up mail.  It’s fun and exciting to run into my favorite professors, friends, or classmates. Regardless of the specific job, on campus positions tend to yield community. It’s very typical to make good friends through a position, or to apply for the job alongside a friend. This isn’t necessary by any means, but working with friends is a lot of fun. My best friend works in the mail room as well, and it is always such a joy to work the same shift.

Mal (my best friend) and I work together in the mailroom!

Overall, I would recommend that students really consider on campus job opportunities at Hope.  Jobs provide a new facet of community and connection, along with a productive way to spend time outside of school work.  They also make space for students to balance academics and health, while making a little extra money.