Before moving to Hope College as a freshman, I hesitated because my dream was to be at a big school in a city. Growing up in the capital of Afghanistan, I loved the busyness and energy of city life. But moving to Holland opened a new perspective for me. I have no regrets, and I am almost done with my first year without even noticing. I had so much fun that time passed in the blink of an eye!
One of the best decisions I made before coming to Hope was signing up for the Phelps Scholars Program. This program is a unique combination of residential life, academic engagement, and social activities that prepare students to be leaders in an increasingly global society.
At first, it felt strange to live with people I had only met during my First-Year Seminar, but as time passed, I grew to love it. We had the chance to put into practice and debate the topics we learned in class. The program certainly helped me learn a lot about Hope College and it gave me an opportunity to be actively involved in the experience.
Through the program, we went on educational trips such as visiting museums, and learned about different cultures. I was amazed by how students returned from the Arab American Museum with curiosity and started asking deep questions—it was as if everything suddenly made sense to them. The Phelps Scholars Program creates a community of people who willingly come together to learn. We have tried different foods, attended discussions on important global issues, and participated in activities that made college a true learning and living experience. We also did community service, which helped me connect with the Holland community. I am still volunteering because I got to know the people deeply and now genuinely care about them. The human connection is so meaningful.
Another major program that shaped my experience is Hope Forward. Unlike the Phelps Scholars Program, we do not live together, but the cohort is so close-knit that we don’t even feel the need to. Being part of Hope Forward has given me the chance to meet incredible people, build friendships based on gratitude, and connect with those who share my interests and creativity. Hope Forward has had a huge impact on my college experience. Beyond teaching us how to be grateful, it also emphasizes generosity and practicing giving early in life.
Being part of Hope Forward has given me the chance to meet incredible people, build friendships based on gratitude, and connect with those who share my interests and creativity. Hope Forward has had a huge impact on my college experience.
For example, this Thursday, February 20, 2025, we will have a special event called the Day of Giving, where generous donors come together to raise money to support our community. Hope Forward organizes activities to help us practice its purpose in different ways. Through this program, I have also connected with inspiring people—something that often seems impossible in college. One of those people is Matthew A. Scogin, President of Hope College. I personally love talking to him because he inspires me to be an active student, work hard to give back to Hope College, and contribute to its future.
Because these two programs have played a huge role in shaping my experience and getting me involved at Hope, I highly recommend them! However, if being part of these programs isn’t possible for you, don’t worry—I have plenty of other suggestions for getting involved at Hope College.
Other Ways to Get Involved at Hope College
- Join a Club That Matches Your Interests Hope College has so many clubs that cater to different interests. If you love animals or want to be a pre-vet student, you can join Animalia Club. If you enjoy Legos, there’s even a Lego Club! You have the option to join something that fits your passion. One of my friends joined Hope College Formula Racing, and through that, she found a strong community, made friends, and connected with people who share her interests.
- Participate in a Conference or Competition One of the most incredible experiences I had was participating in the Model Arab League Conference. Representing Iraq in the conference deepened my understanding of the Arab world and the complexities of diplomacy. It was challenging, but it gave me the chance to learn, debate, and collaborate with other delegates in a way that felt both realistic and engaging. I gained hands-on experience in diplomacy—not just in theory, but in practice. Through this experience, I also made friends from other colleges, learned about their perspectives, and became even more interested in debate and collaboration. It was a great way to challenge myself and grow.
Final Thoughts
Getting involved at Hope College has been a life-changing experience. Whether it’s through programs like the Phelps Scholars Program and Hope Forward, joining clubs, or participating in conferences, there are countless ways to engage with the community and make meaningful connections. My advice? Step out of your comfort zone and explore the opportunities around you—you never know how much you’ll grow and how many amazing people you’ll meet along the way!