Overall, how would you describe the spiritual environment at GCC?
My faith was strengthened through being surrounded by a constant Christian community. Growing up and attending public school, I had never experienced what it was like to be able to speak about my faith so freely and to be supported and encouraged by those around me. I was challenged by my peers to grow in my faith and was held accountable in my walk with the Lord. Some of my best friendships today are relationships that were founded upon our mutual faith during my time at GCC. Another significant way I grew spiritually was through classes such as Dr. Cotherman’s Christ Civ class and Duffy’s Introduction to Youth Ministry class. Through these courses, I was able to study the Christian faith and the Bible on a deeper level than I ever had before. Dr. Cotherman, in particular, had a significant impact on my faith. My best friend Paige and I would often come into his office with deep theological questions, and he would take the time to sit with us, open up the Word, and point us in the right direction. Christ Civ was specifically the most impactful class I took at Grove City because it challenged me to take ownership of my beliefs and have them rooted in Scripture, not just opinions.
How do the academics challenge students to think on a deeper level about the world and life in general?
Initially, I didn’t realize how many other classes I would have to take besides just my Spanish and education courses, especially since Grove City is a liberal arts college. However, my other classes really helped me appreciate the way that God has uniquely designed each one of us. Some people are gifted with an understanding of biology or chemistry, which I am certainly not, while others are gifted in math or languages. Through these classes, I have learned to appreciate God’s intricate design of each of us and the different gifts He gives us. It humbled me to be in science or math classes that weren’t my strong suit, but it also made me realize how beautiful our Creator is. He gives us all gifts; we just use them differently. It is a beautiful thing to be able to recognize what people are passionate about or gifted in, and to support them in their passions and gifts the way God designed them to be used.
What are some of the ways that professors ensure that students not only receive information but truly learn and understand how to apply that information?
As I mentioned before, I cannot speak highly enough of the professors at the College. Many professors throughout my four years gave their limited time to me and went above and beyond. Dr. Chapman sat with me for hours, coaching me on how to ace teaching interviews. The entire Spanish department believed in my ability to be a Spanish teacher even when I couldn’t see it myself, and the Humanities professors, such as Dr. Cotherman, challenged me to be a true student of the Bible and determine what my beliefs were and why. These experiences showed me that the professors at GCC were invested not only in what I learned in the classroom but also in who I was becoming as a person and a professional.
The professors at this college are operating from a foundation of their Christian faith, which changes everything. They love their students in a Christlike manner and genuinely care about their success, both inside and outside of the classroom. Once again, I can’t speak highly enough of my experiences with professors at GCC.
What do you find to be the most unique aspect of Grove City College?
My favorite aspect of GCC is the community. It is one of the school’s five values, and of course, every school has its sayings or values, but at Grove, I truly believe that they are lived out. From Grove, I have lifelong best friends and a husband (not the traditional “ring by spring” relationship!). I was also part of the Track and Field team, which is where I met some of my best friends and my husband.
When I walked onto Grove’s campus, I felt a peace that I hadn’t experienced during my other college visits. There was something different about Grove, and I think it was the community and the way those five values were genuinely lived out. They really do mean those five values; they aren’t just another saying or words on a website.
And can you describe some of your own personal experiences in these campus activities?
At Grove, students have a tendency to overbook themselves (myself included!). There is never a lack of events or activities to be part of! Whether it’s a late IM volleyball game, a Sheetz run, a study group, or a club meeting, there is something for everyone. Students just have to be willing to put themselves out there, try new things, and meet new people!
I was involved in a variety of activities during my time at Grove. I was part of the Track and Field team, Spanish Club, and intramural sports. I also led a high school small group and participated in mission trips to Costa Rica and ICO trips to the Dominican Republic. There are so many opportunities to get involved at Grove, and I think one of the best parts of student life is that you can find a community in so many different places
Do you feel like you made any concessions to come to a school that is reasonably priced?
Grove City was much more reasonably priced than other private Christian colleges, which did contribute to my decision to go there.