The Omnipresent Anchor Phenomenon

A semester and a half into Hope and I noticed something very peculiar. It seems that wherever I look now, I see the Anchor, Hope’s emblem and an important piece of Hope’s history.

anchor
The Anchor that rests in front of Graves Hall.

According to Hope’s official website:

“Our name and seal are drawn from our founder, the Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte, who said of the school that would become Hope: “This is my anchor of hope for this people in the future.”

This symbolism follows the language of Hebrews 6:19: “We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” Our motto, taken from Psalm 42:5, echoes the sentiment: Spera in Deo (Hope in God).”

While this is beautiful and inspirational and everything, the anchor has become somewhat of both a nuisance and a craving. I see it everywhere. I feel like fashion has taken a liking to the anchor and, as a result, I’m surrounded by tops, jackets, and jewelry with the Hope symbol. I see little anchors in home decor, tattoos, and even carved into the architecture of local buildings. At least once a week, an anchor makes itself known. And the more I see it, the more I want it. Yesterday, while online (window) shopping I found myself subconsciously liking anything with or in the shape of an anchor…

Perhaps it really is the current trend leaning towards the aesthetics of the anchor, or perhaps I’ve just been more sensitive to it like when you’ve just learned a new word and start hearing it everywhere. I must state, however, that my friends have also been infected by the same bug. It also doesn’t help when their relatives point out or gift them things anchor-related because they know they go to Hope (which isn’t entirely a bad thing, keep ’em coming).

For those thinking of attending Hope or who have already been accepted, you have been warned: The Omnipresent Anchor Phenomenon is real.

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