How big of a role did the affordability of Grove City College play in your college decision making process?
Finding a school that was affordable for my family and me was very important. We looked at Grove City College first and my parents and I were sitting in the Office of Admissions looking over the statistics of the school along with tuition, room, and board. We were reviewing the prices, and I remember my parents saying, “We can do this” and that was all I needed to hear. I knew that was one of the biggest obstacles for us and knowing we had the ability financially for me to attend Grove City College meant a lot to me.
How has your faith been strengthened and perhaps even challenged during your time here?
College can be a very challenging, especially for college Christian students. Balancing all aspects of your life can be difficult, especially while trying to strengthen your faith. At Grove City College, I feel like I’ve been able to thrive spiritually and really “practice what I preach” as a Christian man. Reflecting on that week’s sermon throughout the week and applying that message into my daily life is something that I’ve worked on personally. I’ve been able to interact with others and think in a more Christian perspective.
Certainly using the available resources the College gives to us students is important to take advantage of. Your faith will strengthen or weaken depending on how much you are willing to work and hold yourself accountable with your decisions. The College does a great job with setting their students up for success academically and spiritually but the student must also put the effort in to make it a great, unique experience for them.
How do the academics challenge students to think on a deeper level about the world and life in general?
I think the humanities courses specifically challenge students to think deeper and with a new outlook on life. These courses serve as the humanities core of our education and provide us with a liberal arts background. These civilization-focused courses also help incorporate the Christian worldview into the deeper discussion of the world and life and how we as Christians can move forward in this world given this information.
What is the relationship like between students and professors?
There really seems to be a personal connection between students and professors that isn’t evident at most colleges or universities. There isn’t a “wall” where students feel they can’t approach their professors or ask questions. Students know that they can ask questions and be open with their professors before, during, or after class with the help of available office hours. Also, the classrooms are typically small enough in order for the professors and students to know each other on a one-to-one basis and not just have the professors know the students by their ID number. Professors genuinely care about their students and want them to succeed in the classroom and in life. The relationship between students and professors seems to be a good relationship in the classroom.
What do you find to be the most unique aspect of Grove City College?
The most unique aspect of Grove City College to me, would probably be the spiritual freedom given by the school. You would think with Grove City College being a small, private, liberal arts college that Christianity and church services would be demanded and mandatory. But here at Grove City College, instead of having a regular Sunday morning church service every week, the College encourages you to be involved with a local church congregation in the area.
The College understands that not all students have the same spiritual background as others, so there is no regular Sunday morning service here on campus to encourage you to find your place in a congregation in the surrounding area. Also, there are chapel services every Tuesday and Thursday morning that occur when no classes are in session. This allows for the campus to come together and worship and hear the word of the Lord through various speakers throughout the semester.
How would you describe the relationship that the students have with each other on campus?
Speaking from experience, students that I’ve met here on campus are very genuine people. They’re not fake and try to perceive themselves as someone they’re not. They take their school work very seriously and encourage others to succeed. If you’re succeeding in life and in school, your peers will encourage you and won’t try to bring you down. If you’re struggling or going through a rough time, your peers will be genuinely concerned with your well-being and try to encourage you and bring you back up.