Back To My Roots, But Better

In high school, I was an avid songwriter. I was in a two-person acoustic band with a friend, working on my musical skills on my own, and writing almost constantly, especially in chemistry class (sorry, Mrs. Byrne!). Halfway through my junior year of high school, I had pages and pages of lyrics I’d ripped out …

Beautiful: A Reminder of Worth

Are you worth it? I looked in the mirror this morning, as I do every day, and on this particular morning, I was nit-picking at my appearance. Thoughts swirled in my brain. I wish I look different, maybe taller, more muscular. Shorter. Brown hair, without glasses, with glasses; the list continues for an eternity. A …

The Old and the New

A new semester. Freshmen come in, eager to get to know new people, concerned about their major, wondering whether or not to switch classes, and trying to navigate their way through Phelps Dining Hall. Wait, I’m doing all those things, too. I kind of feel like a freshman again because this year has been such a fresh …

From Hope to Hillsong

When a promoted ad for a Hillsong concert in Grandville, Michigan, popped up on my Twitter newsfeed in early July, I immediately felt a call to attend. As a matter of fact, I remember the ad catching my eye so much that I was (pretending) to jump up and down (I was still in my …

From the Freshmen: WHY HOPE?

Since I am an RA in Dykstra, I get to interact with a lot of freshmen. I thought it would be fun to hear all their reasons for choosing Hope! Here’s what they had to say! “I decided to come to Hope because it’s small and it’s really important to me to have good relationships …

A Summer of GROWTH + New Beginnings!

Wow, it’s so good to be back at Hope! I am an RA in Dykstra this year and I am loving it so far. My residents rock and I just love being back in Dykstra with such an incredible Res Life staff. They’re so great! Look at them! I’m so excited for a year with …

More Than Just Textbooks: Freshman Year Recap

I am writing this post from my couch at home, where I finally arrived about two hours ago. It hasn’t really hit me yet that I have finished a whole year of college. I know a lot of this is probably going to sound cliché, but it’s all so true. It doesn’t seem like that …

Senior Wisdom and Insight

Wow one week from today I will be graduating from Hope College! I’m currently writing this post from JP’s Coffee downtown and thinking back on all of the memories I have had here. Hope College has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. I have met some incredible people and lifelong friends. I …

Last Bible Study… Ever. (At least for 2013-2014).

I’ve been blessed by an amazing Hope senior this year, and her name is Karen. I signed up for a bible study early during the fall semester through Campus Crusades for Christ, not knowing what God would have in store for me this year. I took it as an opportunity to meet other girls outside …