Let’s review the last seven days of my silly college life.
Friday, April 13th
The Celebration of Undergraduate Research overtook the Devos Fieldhouse and amazed community members, students and staff by all of the research activity that goes on under our noses here at Hope. There were presentations from nursing to communications to organic chemistry. I was there presenting our class Phage poster and cheering on my colleagues in the Fraley Lab who presented four posters! The celebration was open to anyone who desired to come and there were complimentary beverages, cookies, and pulled pork sandwhiches to enjoy while learning all kinds of fun new things. I also attended the last Vanderprov show of the year. It was hilarious!
Saturday
ADMITTED STUDENTS DAY!! Yay! A staggering amount of admitted students visited Hope’s campus as a “last look” before decision day (May 1). Each student got to attend little seminars on majors, specialties, finances, and parents got to attend little activities as well. The Student Bloggers had a nice little table at lunch, where students could enjoy a complimentary Hope travel cooler filled with a delicious lunch while perusing the student life activities fair.
Tuesday
Because Hope’s current President will soon retire, President Jim Bultman was asked to give his “Last Lecture” sponsored by Mortar Board. The Dimnent Chapel was packed with faculty, community members and students on the edge of their seats. President Bultman was witty, comical, and inspirational. It was a priviledge to be one of many in attendance on Tuesday night.
Wednesday
The tulips bloomed early this year with all the crazy warm and wet weather we have been having in the northern midwest, so I decided I needed to finally expose myself to Holland’s heartland: Windmill Island. I ventured out with one of Holland’s own, Jennifer Toscano. The location is pretty much what it sounds like…a little Windmill on an Island. But there are millions of tulips, beautiful landscaping, and a miniature Dutch village that sells wooden shoes, snacks, and where Dutch dancers liven up the environment. Here are a few photos I snapped that night:
Thursday
Thursday night, I again was honored to attend a student-organized going away party for the Bultmans. The evening included musical and dance performances and gifts given from various organizations on Hope’s campus. It was a very touching and well-planned event and served its purpose to thank God for blessing Hope College with the Bultmans.
Friday
Today, after two big tests, I’m off to have lunch with the biology seminar speaker Sherrie Gallas (’01) of Abbott Laboratories who will speak more about “Life after Hope.” It’s always a pleasure to talk to Hope grads about what they are doing now. We have such an extensive selection of alumni in a plethora of jobs and activities, so learning more about what to do with your Hope degree isn’t difficult. This week Hope College even tweeted alumni advice for the senior class that will soon be graduating (follow them @HopeCollege).
Though busy, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m having a blast in my last month as a freshman here, and can’t wait to see where Hope takes me.
Love,
A