Living Away From Home

In my four years at Hope, I have met only a handful of people that are more obsessed with their hometown than I am. I’ve been more and more aware lately of how early in my first conversation with someone I tell them, “I’m from Petoskey!” The love I have for the little laketown I …

My Top 5 For Hope

Why did I chose Hope College? What lead me to making this final decision that would control where the next four years of my life would go? I have personally done some self-reflection and came up with 5 reasons as to why I chose Hope. Size As someone who loves meeting new people as well …

Kindness, An Innate Trait of Hope College

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked “Why Hope?”, I think I would have at least 100 dollars. But for as many times as I’ve been asked, I never get tired of telling my story. It all started back in 6th grade, when I went to a summer camp in Wisconsin. …

From Lagos, Nigeria, to Holland, Michigan

One of my biggest concerns when moving to the United States for college had to do with living in Holland, Michigan. As an individual from the largest city in Africa with over 20 million people, I was a bit worried about the change of pace and context that I would encounter during college. This difference, …

Life as a Phelps Scholar

Going into college, I knew I wanted to go beyond the typical experience. I wanted something that challenged my preconceived notions of the world and allowed me to encounter things I’ve never experienced before. That’s why I applied to be a Phelps Scholar. What’s a Phelps Scholar? The Phelps Scholars are a living-learning community for …

Don’t Question Studying Abroad, Do it.

On Admitted Students day of 2019, I listened in on a panel with staff from the Fried Center Global Engagement Office as they described the many opportunities that Hope offered to study abroad. I went home to my mom, and told her that I was considering studying abroad at Hope. Her response was simple: “Do …

Dear Parent of an Incoming Freshman

Dear Parent of an Incoming Freshman,  Whether you’re on your tenth college visit or you’re on your very first one, I’m confident you’re rolling through a number of emotions–the excitement for your son or daughter to undertake new adventures of their own, a slight awkwardness realizing that you feel older than you hoped to feel …

Transformation at a College Level

How have I changed as a person due to the college that I chose? Have I been transformed at all? What is transformation? Tackle the Big Question Have I changed at all? Without any self-reflection I would have said “no.” I might have laughed too. Similar to high school, I am who I am and …

Senior Experiences

Whenever I see visiting students walking around campus or in chapel, I always make an effort to welcome them or help them with directions, etc. I remember my visit days oh too well–trying to mask how freaked out I was, unsure about how to hold the massive orange folder on my campus tour, and sitting …

Hope College: Top 5 Reasons

Hope College is a college experience unlike any other. In the center of the action in Holland, Michigan, Hope College brings unique life, opportunities and growth. There are plenty of opportunities to love Hope, and today I want to share a few with you! The Students The students at Hope College bring life into every room …