Artist + educator

Mackenna was looking for a college that would help him grow in his relationship with Christ. After discovering Northwestern online, he visited campus and was greeted by a community of faithful individuals. “There are people all over campus who display Jesus’ heart,” he says. As an education studies and theatre double major, Mackenna is involved in music and theatre productions and plans to use his experiences to teach future artists.

Belonging

I wanted to find a college where I could sharpen my skills and talents and grow as a person, as well as in my relationship with Christ. I visited on a RED101 Day and immediately fell in love with the warmth and friendliness I was greeted with. Students at NWC are very welcoming, and there are so many people here who try their best to make sure everyone is included and celebrated.

Campus life

My greatest passions are acting and the performing arts, so I try to be as involved as I can with the productions put on by the theatre department. I have also performed at concerts for the music department and at student-led events, such as Hospers Coffeehouse. I am a discipleship group leader this semester, which will be an excellent way for me to help provide a welcoming, Christ-centered environment for the men in my dorm.

Equipped for God’s call

I decided to study education studies because I thought it would provide me with the tools to be an effective and versatile educator in the arts, whether that would be at private institutions or for one-on-one lessons or courses. My career goals include building my personal brand as an actor, as well as possibly becoming an educator and theatre artist—all while glorifying God and showing his love and nature through my art.

Standout faculty

I am wildly impressed with the degree of care the education program at NWC has to offer. They emphasize equipping teachers to be there for their future students by working hard to understand their students’ needs. I have been astounded at just how encouraging and loving the Northwestern theatre faculty have been and how much they have invested in me and my peers. The faculty are not just professors to me, but people I deeply respect and look up to. They often show how important it is for them to see their students succeed and go on to do great things for God’s glory and his kingdom.