Passport to learning
Attending college in her hometown hasn’t limited the extent of Jennifer’s education. Through Northwestern’s Global Education Center, she spent a semester at a Christian college in Lithuania, which also enabled her to travel in Sweden, Norway, Russia, France and Italy. This spring, she’s studying in the Middle East through Northwestern’s Oman Semester. As a member of the college’s Summer of Service (SOS) team, she spent last summer in Denver, serving homeless youth, and the summer before that, she lived in Yosemite National Park as a volunteer with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks.
Small college, big opportunity
After graduating from high school in Orange City, I wanted to go out and see the rest of the world! Even though Northwestern is in a small Midwestern town, the college has provided nearly limitless opportunities to explore.
Other insight
I love people and understanding their lives, and I knew studying sociology would take my love for learning about others to an academic level. The classes are fascinating, and the professors bring so much insight to what students are learning in and outside the classroom.
Different view
Growing up in a single culture like I did, it can be hard to understand people who are different than me. But my sociology classes have educated me about many cultures and helped me appreciate people groups different from my own, showing me why their way of life works for them. I believe I’ve gained a glimpse of how God sees all his children.
Mission-minded
Last summer I took classes through Denver Urban Semester and interned with Dry Bones. Through that experience, I’ve become passionate about working with homeless teens. It was a great way to use both my Northwestern training and my spiritual gifts, and it helped confirm my sense of calling to future ministry. I’m praying about the possibility of going back to Dry Bones after I graduate.
Smart, with heart
Northwestern has prepared me to interact with a wide range of people. Through general education classes, I feel more equipped to hold conversations with those outside my area of study. I also feel ready for a career as well as a life of learning and applying my faith to whatever I experience.
