Excitement in the Air

It feels good to be back. I’m not sure what it is – the winter air, maybe? It feels different, but it feels good. It could be the feeling of a new beginning, except without all of the nerves and awkwardness of first semester. It’s like I’m a freshman, but I’ve been through conditioning already. I know, pretty much, what I’m doing and what’s in store for me. I just feel so excited and I can’t explain it.

What’s there to be excited about for me at Hope this semester?

New Classes – After having the same classes and schedule for a whole semester, it’s nice to mix it up. We start tomorrow, and while I’m nervous, I’m excited to be taking more classes that I’m interested in!

New & Old Friends – Seeing everyone back on campus is fun. It’s overwhelming hearing people throughout Dykstra scream as their friends walk in with all of their stuff. I’m excited to be back with the people I met last semester, but also make new relationships with others!

Sorority Rush – Hope’s Greek Life does sorority and fraternity rush in the second semester, not the first. I’m not exactly sure if it’s for me yet, but I wouldn’t be doing myself a favor if I didn’t rush and find out! I’m really excited to see what’s in store for me in this area at Hope, and I will for sure keep anyone who’s interested in finding out about Greek Life at Hope updated on my experience!

Winter Fantasia – This is Hope’s formal, put on by the Student Activities Committee! It’s coming up pretty soon and it should be a fun time. I love any chance to get dressed up!

Sounds pretty exciting, huh? I look forward to posting more of my adventures from this semester, like last semester, here and thank you all for reading!

If you have any questions for me you can contact me at brookelyn.wharton@hope.edu, through Facebook, or my twitter @hopebrooke18! I’d love to answer them!

2014: A Year In Review

2014 was a big year. Not only was it a year to remember for myself, but so much happened in our nation and in our world, making it a year hard to forget! I’m sure when I mention some of these events, you’re going to say, “That happened forever ago!” Well, believe it or not, that happened this year! So, I just want to share some big highlights with you that happened in 2014 that made my year!

1. SNOWPOCALYPSE 2K14

Yep. Believe it or not, this happened LAST YEAR. Hah, its fun to say that now. Anyway, Mother Nature was unrelenting. She dumped snow on us and didn’t stop, and gave us consistent arctic winds. What was so memorable about this? Well the crazy amount of snow days we had. Since Hope is a residential college and the campus closed due to weather, that’s surely saying something.

Snowpocalypse 2K14
Snowpocalypse 2K14

2. Sochi Winter Olympics

Believe it or not, we had a Winter Olympic Games this year. And it was in Russia, how exciting (and controversial!). For those of you who don’t remember, Russia won the most medals, but this was merely because of the “home country” advantage (Source: ESPN). The USA will be, and always be number 1. Despite the controversy that loomed over this particular Olympics, it still brought the world together as the Olympics usually do. Up next is the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics in 2016!

The Olympic Rings
The Olympic Rings

3. Europe Adventures

From Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, Vatican City, Slovakia, and Hungary, my life has been changed with the two months I spent in Europe. I fulfilled two gen ed requirements (WOO!) but also ventured into uncharted waters. My outlook and view on my life completely changed, I made new friendships and deepened existing ones, and hiked mountains that taught me so much. If you have an opportunity to go abroad, take it and run. It will change your life.

Me on top of the world (in Austria, at least).
Me on top of the world (in Austria, at least).

4. Canadia

After Europe, I also had the opportunity to visit some family in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Let me tell you, Canada is definitely God’s country. It endless amounts of jaw-dropping, picturesque scenery is amazing. It’s definitely a, “You had to be there” deal. I enjoy trips that allow you to vacation but learn something. It merely provides a larger outlook on life and it makes one appreciate life more.

On top of the world again, but in Canada this time!
On top of the world again, but in Canada this time!

5. APPARENTLY KID!

Just watch this YouTube video and let it make your day.

6. Emma Watson’s Speech

Yeah, watching and listening to her speech says it all.

7. All Things SAC

This year, I have been honored to co-direct a very influential student organization on Hope’s campus, SAC! From our events, meetings, and team bonding activities, they are my family at school. Each team member has contributed so much to the organization which in turn affects our campus as a whole. And for that I am forever grateful! It’s great to be their leader, but it’s so great to have their friendship as well. Without them, this year would merely be different. Thank you, SAC members for all you do and what you will continue to do!

My family at Hope.
My family at Hope.

Like I mentioned earlier, so many events happened this year. Some huge, some small. These were just some of my year highlights. Yes, apparently kid was a little thing, but it made me laugh so much. Anyway, thanks for reading and look for more posts to come out soon!

2,014 is more than a number

I’m not a mathematician, but I can tell you, a number holds so much value.

When I think about the year 2014, I consider it to be so much more than a number. Looking back at the weeks and months in which I faced significant challenges, I can hear the echoes of my disappointment, anger, doubt, and fear. Breaking my foot over the summer was one of those times.

Then I turn my head and I see the love, faith, and hope poured out to me by the community I was surrounded with, by the times I put my trust in faith to find the journey set apart for me. Breaking my foot the second time is one of these times (in case you missed it, check out my post here).

I spent Christmas in Florida with my family, visiting my 91-year-old grandpa, who moved into a house on the Atlantic side this fall. We visited the beach on the 27th, and as my brother was body surfing in the waves, he called out to me while I was standing on the shore. I ran down to meet him. As my feet hit the water, I felt a wave of humility come over me. I was struck with wonder and radiant joy. At that moment, I remembered. By all worldly standards, my foot should still be broken. I should not be walking. I should be in my boot, on crutches, with a Ziploc securely zipped around it so that sand wouldn’t enter my shoe.

But I wasn’t.

I ran, and half expected to start running on the water rather than in it. One thought entered my mind: “Jesus, You’re beautiful. This is beautiful.” I heard a voice come back to me that whispered, “I know, I made it.” And I nodded, knowing that no matter how much depth I think I can grasp in my faith, even the ocean knows of a greater depth than I do.

I came across a quote at some point throughout this year, and it hit my heart in such a way that changed it from the inside out. The quote is “Grace is given, not earned.” If I could summarize my year in one word, it would be grace. It overflowed, over and over, and it found me even when I couldn’t find it. It was there when I stayed stuck, when I was broken, and when I couldn’t find peace, it was given to me. It was there when I rejoiced and laughed, feeling love being poured out to me. It was there when my faith was, and it was there when my faith wasn’t. And every time, it was there when I didn’t deserve it.

Ocean Waves
Let’s risk the ocean, there’s only grace [Sometimes by Passion Worship]

This year, I learned to forgive, because it’s easier to let go than it is to hold on. And when it’s over, when the storm is really over, you know, and you can leave it in grace and move forward, and let the blessings that come with it boomerang back into your heart. When you’re in the middle of it, when you can’t escape it, it’s hard. But when Peter asked Jesus if he should forgive his brother seven times when he sins against him, Jesus replied, “not seven, but seventy times seven” (that’s 490 times). That’s forgiving someone once a day, every day, sometimes more than once a day. Needless to say, that’s a lot. And Jesus probably wasn’t being literal there, either… he probably meant something more along the lines “seventy times seven times seventy times fourteen million.” God has probably forgiven me more times than that in my lifetime. It’s a lot more than I forgive. And that’s only for one person. Again, there’s so much more there than just a number.

As I leave 2014 and welcome in the new year, I wait with hope and expectation, knowing that crazy awesome plans await. Not on my own terms, but on God terms, which is even more exciting. I am filled with endurance when I think about all of the cool things that are about to happen, things I am currently unaware of. Because at the end of 2013, I would never have thought I’d be standing where I am today. And next December 31st, I’m looking forward to be able to say the same thing.

I hold onto a couple of Bible verses as I think about the new year, the first one from Habakkuk 1:5: “…For a work is being done in your days that you would not believe even if you were told.”

Also, this one from Isaiah 43:19: “See! I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do not you perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

No matter what this year held, this new year holds new promises not contingent on the missteps of the past. There is something new arising, and I am certain it will be more beautiful than anything we have ever seen before.


What’s one word to describe your 2014? Tweet it at me @hopesophie17. Questions or comments about anything at all can be directed toward sophie.guetzko@hope.edu.

P.S. Hey prospective students and families, please let me know if I can help out in any way or answer any questions – I know this time in your life can be crazy and overwhelming, and I’ve love to answer any questions or direct you to someone who can answer them for you! Just shoot me an email (or, if you’re on Hope on Facebook, shoot me a message there, either way is totally fine with me!)

A Guide to the Hope College Facebook Page

Hey prospective students! This one’s for you!

Getting into college is a really exciting time, and it isn’t complete without relatives breathing down your neck, a ton of anxiety, T-shirts from every school in the state (or country), and of course, FACEBOOK.

College Facebook groups can be really helpful in determining what school you’d like to go to. You can get a really good feel for the school and what the people there are like. Hope’s Facebook page is different from others because it’s actually run by the school. This is a great way to get any questions you have answered! Here’s a quick guide to the Hope College Facebook group.

Don’t overuse it.

This can be tricky. I know that it’s a really exciting time, but remember that these are all online faces – no one here has ever met you, so adding the entire group on Facebook might not be a great idea. With all of the things that I say below, just remember not to overdo it.

Ask Questions. 

We don’t bite. This is what we’re here for! We’re here to help you make the best decision for you, and if you need to know something, we would love to help you out! Don’t be embarrassed.

It’s not just for finding a roommate. 

Our administration actually does a great job pairing roommates together! I went in blind this year and my roommate and I get along great; we’re very alike, too. I know that it can be scary to not know (because Not Knowing in general is terrifying), but just go with it. Trust me. With this is mind, if you’d still like to search for a roommate on the group, by all means go ahead. I can’t stop you!

Start Conversation. 

We’re friendly people who love a good cup of conversation. Exclaim your excitement, post your photos of Hope apparel, introduce yourself! We’re happy to have you here!

Long story short use this group to your advantage, to meet people, ask questions, and figure out if Hope is the right place for you, but don’t creep everyone out.

If you have any questions for me you can contact me at brookelyn.wharton@hope.edu, through Facebook, or my twitter @hopebrooke18! I’d love to answer them!

I Got Into College! What Next?

It’s that time of the year, folks! Well yes, Christmas and being with family, but as well as getting those college acceptance letters! There’s a new college graduating class cohort, the class of 2019. That seems so far away, but trust me, it will be 2019 in no time. I can’t believe I graduate in 2011, and 2015 is only a few days away. Sooner than later, I’ll be in my cap and gown at graduation! Anyway, listen up class of 2019! You may have got into your college of your dreams which is great! If you didn’t, THAT’S OK! Keep an open-mind, opportunities will come. It sounds too good to be true, but life moves on and it won’t stop.

For many of you, you may have applied to several schools and were accepted at several. Now that you’re in, what comes next? Reflecting back on this time when I was a senior in high school is fun and I want to share what I did with you. It is an exciting, yet stressful time. Hopefully, this can ease some of that stress. But at the same time, it’s definitely time to start planning ahead. Before you know it, the high school graduating class of 2015 will be freshmen. Time creeps up, and it creeps up fast.

1. CELEBRATE!

After all of those hours spent on ACT studying, college apps and essays, and waiting, your time is here. CELEBRATE and breathe! Getting into college is only the first step, but is a milestone. Share with your family and friends, this is huge! Once you’re all celebrated out, choices will need to be made, including narrowing down your choices. If you really loved these schools, maybe a second visit wouldn’t hurt. One great way to experience college is doing an overnight stay. Then, you can get the sense of what that particular school is like! Talk to people that go to that school, do more research on your school options! You’re eventually going to have to pick one, so make sure its the right one. Affirm your thoughts!

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2. Be Realistic

College is expensive. There, I said it. You may have been accepted to your dream school, but is it a feasible option? Check out the scholarships you’ve received, apply for more scholarships to bring the costs down, and definitely fill out your FAFSA to see if you qualify for financial aid. These are great ways to make the college selection process more realistic, for both you and family. Figure out how finances will work because they play a HUGE factor in your college career. Other than establishing finances, identify if that is the school for you in terms of size, location, and distance. And make sure your motives are your own, not that of your friends. College is a huge chapter in your life; you need to write that chapter, not others!

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3. DO WELL

Just because you’ve been accepted into college doesn’t mean you can slack off the rest of your senior year. Your college will still look at your academic standing during your senior year. They too have the power to withdraw scholarships from you if. Heck, if you completely slack off, they can withdraw your acceptance. So my advice to you high school seniors is to continue doing well! Senioritis is real. You want to go to college now and you want to graduate. Don’t let that get in the way of your studies which are still important!

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4. Make your choice!

Picking the right school doesn’t have to happen overnight. For some, it will, but for many, it won’t. Once you’ve identified which school is the most practical in terms of scholarship and financial aid packages, location, distance, and size, and if that college is the one for you, make your choice! Being accepted to school is exciting, but choosing my college was even more exciting. The next big chapter of your life will be there, and to just know that is exhilarating. Make sure you make your decisions by the school’s deadlines. I would play it on the safe side and make a decision before then to give yourself some leeway! Once this choice is made, keep up with that school’s news through social media. It will let you know what’s going on around campus.

tumblr_inline_n3er2uX3Yz1s0u9u5If you want to see what college life for me at Hope College is like, please feel free to follow me on Twitter at @HopeMarvin15 and on Instagram at MarvSolberg. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for reading, folks!

GIF sources were found using Google.

Holy and Lowly

One thing I really love about the Christmas season is that I can always find something new to learn from it. Sometimes it seems like I have heard the Christmas story a million times and it’s easy for me to get caught up in feeling like I know everything I need to know about it. However, one thing that God, thankfully, has proven to me time and time again over the past year is that there is always more.

A few days ago, as I was going through my Advent devotional from She Reads Truth, I came across a passage in John 13 that talks about Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, which confused me a little bit right off the bat because that passage isn’t even in our traditional Christmas story. It took me a minute to start connecting it with Christmas, and then I started realizing a theme in a lot of the things that we know about Jesus’s life that play a major role in the Christmas story.

Mary was pregnant out of wedlock. Jesus was born in a scandal.

There was no room in the inn. Jesus was laid in a manger after he was born.

King Herod intended to kill Jesus. Jesus was hunted and unwanted by earthly royalty from the very beginning of his life.

Jesus grew up to wash his disciples’ feet. He became a servant to his followers though he is the Son of God, worthy of glory and honor.

Jesus died on a cross next to criminals. He was killed for sins he did not commit to save us as sinners.

The Christmas story is the beginning of a narrative about Jesus’s life of humility. Though he as the Son of God deserves all the world has to offer and more, he had a lowly birth which led into a life of servanthood. Jesus made himself low, and I began to realize that for the majority of my life, I have been focused on doing the exact opposite. I have sought out the highest in everything – reputation, class rank, social status, positive changes, even stupid things like Pinterest followers and how many clubs and teams and organizations I could join in high school. The Christmas story is of the Savior of the world making himself low, coming to love and serve like no one ever had on Earth before; the Kathryn story is of a broken sinner trying to make herself high for completely selfish reasons. We are called to live lives modeled after the example of Jesus, not after what the world tells us is valuable. A life of obedience to God, the humble heart of a servant, and an overwhelming love was good enough for Jesus, so certainly it ought to be good enough for me as well.

I hope you have a merry Christmas and find something new in the Christmas story to impact your life as well! Keep up with me on Twitter, Instagram, or shoot me an email at kathryn.krieger@hope.edu.


You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
    he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

          – Philippians 2:5-11

The Mission That Guides Hope: A Reflection

Many institutions have mission statements. Mission statements provide a guiding light, providing direction and purpose for that institution. Hope College is no different. What makes Hope unique is what is illustrated in the mission itself. Take a gander:

The mission of Hope College is to educate students for lives of leadership and service in a global society through academic and co-curricular programs of recognized excellence in the liberal arts and in the context of the historic Christian faith.

Seeing as I only have one semester left in my undergraduate career, I wanted to take the time to portray how the The Mission that Guides Hope has impacted the past 4 incredible years of my life, and how I have lived this mission throughout my undergraduate career.

In the beginning, the Mission reads “…to educate studies for lives of leadership and service…” Let me tell you, Hope offers its students so many opportunities for leadership and service. The only catch is that YOU have to pursue them. It will not be handed to you. Many students get into this right away, but for others, that is not the case. Regardless, students will be involved!

Throughout my years at Hope, I have seized opportunities to take roles in leadership whether that is in the classroom, clubs, immersion trips, or student organizations, like SAC! Being a student leader has taught me immensely about myself, and with this knowledge, I am successful in not only in my organization, but also in the classroom. And what’s integrated in leadership opportunities is the service that comes along. I am amazed at how many students contribute to the Hope and Holland community, as well as communities throughout the United States and around the world!

My sophomore year, I had the privilege of leading an immersion trip to Washington D.C. where my group learned about racial injustice in the incarceration system. Not only did we serve the D.C. community by learning about this social issue, but we served our very own college campus by educating our peers about this issue. To be a part of a college that sees the “bigger picture” allows me to look at that bigger picture.

The second part of the Mission reads, “…in a global society through academic and co-cirrcular programs of recognized excellence in the liberal arts…” At Hope, an understanding of a global society and academics are crucial. Hope offers many opportunities to study abroad, whether that’s a semester-long program, or if its just for a few months. This way, students learn first-hand about various cultures that provide an understanding of a global society.

For example, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Vienna, Austria this past summer for 2 months. There, I learned so much about Viennese and European cultures and how their norms came to be. Coming back to the United States, I was able to understand this and it has changed my outlook on the world. Not only does Hope offer such opportunities abroad, but students can get an understanding of a global society at Hope! There are so many international students to learn from about their culture. It’s a pretty neat learning process.

With regard to academia, Hope synthesizes successful students because of its utmost importance, especially through the implementation of a liberal arts education. People always ask, “why liberal arts?” My response is that it permits a larger scope of perspective. With the exposure of many disciplines, students are well-rounded which is beneficial in our world today. But, school can be difficult, so Hope provides its students with many resources to attain academic success. Other ways to get help include studying with friends (which I do all the time) and meeting with professors 1-on-1 (which I also do all the time)! Your professors want you to be successful, so use them to help you! Without these resources, I don’t know if would be where I am today.

Lastly, co-cirrculars. These are huge at Hope. From sports, to organizations, and clubs, there are so many ways to get involved. Although a big aspect of college is that academia part, socialization among peers and in organizations is as important. The social and leadership skills learned will allow one to be successful in the workplace and world today. I know that the skills I have learned through SAC are priceless, and I won’t be able to get those skills through studying them. They must be learned and implemented!

And lastly, “…and in the context of the historic Christian faith…” is a phrase that has been engraved in my head since my freshman year. This is foundational in Hope’s mission. The incorporation of the historic Christian faith in academics and co-cirrculars has helped me form a better understanding of my vocation and my faith. The best part is that although incorporated in the college experience, it is NEVER shoved down “your throat.” Hope offers so many resources to get into faith as well. These vary from chapel on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, the Gathering on Sundays, immersion trips, small Bible study groups, and mentors. On top of these resources available, one facet I love about Hope is how easy it is to have a conversation about faith. This is rare in today’s world, and to have that be readily available is special.

These past four years have been years that will be hard to forget. As I approach my last semester of my undergraduate career, it will be important to finish strong. With a mission like Hope’s, I know it will be attainable. I have been equipped with the necessary tools that sets me apart from others and will make me successful in the world out there. Hope College, I am forever thankful.

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The Trick to Surviving Finals

Hey Everyone,

I am going to share some tips with you on how to survive the devastating week known as Finals.

1. Overprepare

Make sure that for every exam you are going to be taking you study more than you think you need to. I don’t just mean a little more. Make sure its a lot more than you feel.

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2. Breaks with Friends

Taking breaks with friends is the most important thing in keeping your sanity. Try making sure it is something active as well. Go play basketball or wally ball. This gets you away from sitting all day, either in your room or in a study room, and gets you to shut your mind off and just have fun with friends who care about you. It will give you an extra boost of energy for studying.

pick-up-basketball

3. Treat Yourself to Treats

If you feel a craving for some food, eat it, it will only calm your nerves. Order a pizza if that comes to mind. Take a walk and get some frozen yogurt. These are all good options to take a short break from studying, but to also re-energize yourself.

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4. Get Sleep

Whether you have time to sleep at night or during the day. Sleep. Make time to get sleep and get your rest. It is much needed, whether you think so or not. There comes a point where the amount of study material you are actually retaining does not amount to the importance of sleep.

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These are just some tips I would give for surviving Finals week! Thanks for reading, I hope everyone is having a great Christmas break!

 

Yeah, I Live by Detroit

I’m home, I’m home (for a little over three weeks)! The place I call home? Troy, a suburb located outside of Detroit. I spent a lot of time in Detroit growing up with both of my parents working in the city. I was actually born down there and went to day-care there!

Occasionally, when I tell people that I’m from outside of Detroit, their eyes will bulge out at me, as if I’m about to pull a gun from my back pocket. At this, I crinkle my nose and try to pretend that I don’t notice. I actually live in a very nice place, and their assumption doesn’t hurt my feelings but rather batters my opinion of them.

See, the stigma associated with the city is something that really gets to me. How are we supposed to make it better if people keep putting it down and assuming the worst for it? If you were trying to make positive changes in your life, and someone kept putting you down, can you imagine how hard it would be to get off of your feet? What gets me even deeper is that some people who say nasty things about Detroit have never been there. Sure, there are bad parts, but there are also great parts. In fact, a lot is being done to make the city a better place. It’s in the first steps toward revival.

Here’s a look at some of the good parts of Detroit. I spent a lot of hours down there waiting for my stepsister to finish her exams at Wayne State University. My mom, stepdad, and I explored for a while.

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Avalon | Hugh | Source Bookseller’s

A lot of these places have been around for a few years, and a lot of people were walking around in this area. The lofts are making it a very modern and cool place to live. (And yes, like most everything, this does remind me of New Girl).

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Shinola | Willy’s | Nest

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The Fox | The Filmore | Campus Martius

If you didn’t know, they’re building the M1 Rail on Woodward along neighborhoods by the Central Business District, Midtown, New Center, and North End. It’s goal is to by the catalyst of the area, promoting growth. They’re also building a new hockey arena for the Red Wings, our hockey team.

Hitsville, USA

My stepdad is a really big music guy, and we all know how much music was made in Detroit. They recorded people like Diana Ross & the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, and Stevie Wonder. There is so much history in this city.

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Astoria | Greektown

The city life is also very alive; you can see people going out downtown to Greektown! We just went to the Astoria Bakery (mmmm!) to get some treats after dinner in Mexicantown.

It’s really clear to see how much is being done to the city when you drive through it. Keeping in mind that all cities, suburbs, and rural areas have bad parts, Detroit will never be perfect; no place or person could ever be. It can be fixed to it’s best potential, though. It’s our generation that can do this. Yes, there are bad parts (a lot of them), but it’s getting better and people need to know that.

A lot of young, college and high school kids say that they want to move to the city when the graduate. They usually mean Manhattan or Chicago, but one day, I think that they could mean Detroit too.

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If you have any questions for me you can contact me at brookelyn.wharton@hope.edu, through Facebook, or my twitter @hopebrooke18! I’d love to answer them!

How to be a Leader: Walk on the Water, Remain on the Rock

Being a Leadership minor has its perks, and one of them is the Keurig coffee maker in the Idea Lounge. I haven’t actually used it personally, but I’ve heard good things about it.

And we can’t forget about the sweet whiteboard walls in VanZoeren 182, one of the few times in our lives in which it’s appropriate and actually encouraged to draw on the walls. Have an idea or developing a concept? Grab an Expo marker and see where the journey takes you. (Note: The Center for Faithful Leadership moved into the first floor VanZoeren Hall this year, it was previously located in the Anderson-Werkman building.)

The best part of all about the Leadership department at Hope, however, is right in its name: Center for Faithful Leadership.

Growing up, I convinced myself I would never be a leader. I was quiet, thoughtful, and vision-based. The idea of executing – and, even worse, being loud – terrified me. I thought it didn’t align with who I wanted to be, and through that, I decided it was someone I would never be.

By doing this, I put myself in a box. I placed limitations on myself that were self-defeating and untrue.

Through my experience in three Leadership classes this semester (291, 391, 231), I learned something important– we don’t have to be loud to be leaders. We just have to have faith.

We can be leaders who execute or leaders who create a vision. It takes both to lead.

What does it mean to be a faithful leader?

For my Entrepreneurship class final, our assignment was to write a reflection paper that integrated what we learned in class, how we will use entrepreneurship strategies in our everyday lives, and what it means to be a faithful entrepreneur. My essay was featured on CFL’s blog. For my answer on what it takes to be a faithful leader, you can check it out here.

I’m a different person now that I have taken these classes– In many areas, I can barely recognize the person I was before.

Tunnel Park Footsteps
[Tunnel Park] There’s always a set of footsteps that goes before us.

I’ve learned there is no fear in leading, because I am lead by a perfect love. As 1 John 4:18 states, “Perfect love drives out fear.” I will walk in that love.


Check out my Twitter newsfeed @hopesophie17. Questions or comments? Comment below or send me an email at sophie.guetzko@hope.edu.