How big of a role did the affordability of GCC play in your college decision making process?
It was part of my decision but not the biggest reason. I really was looking for a strong Christian school with a good soccer program and a good Communication department. The price seemed worth it to become a part of a great environment at Grove City.
How has your faith been strengthened and perhaps even challenged during your time here?
I loved that my professors in all my Communication classes not only brought God into every conversation, but showed us how God was already a part of everything we were learning, whether it was film, photography, journalism, etc. It was so encouraging to be shown that God is so present in a creative field, He’s not separate from it. I also was a part of the women’s soccer team, and every day we were challenged to “play the game in such a way that the love of Jesus is immediately evident and ultimately known”—to play differently. Easier said than done! But similar to my academics, I was challenged to see God as being ever-present on the field, in the gym, etc.
What drew you to choose Communication Arts as your major?
I’m biased but I think it’s one of the greatest fields to dive into simply because it’s all about creativity. Being able to create short films or write stories that truly connect with people is incredibly powerful. We often take forms of media as mindless entertainment to consume—and some forms are that. But there is power in creating something intentional that makes someone’s heart sing. It becomes not just entertainment, but a way to share truth and hope with others. The professors in this department shared that every day and immediately drew me in.
What is the relationship like between the students and the professors?
The relationships are intentional. My Communication professors truly got to know me—not just who I was in the classroom but outside it as well. They were interested in my story. And even now as a graduated student, they still check in on me and help me when I need it. I will be forever grateful for the way they continue to invest in me and my life!
What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Be willing to put the work in. Don’t look for an easy way out. Look for ways to challenge yourself, whether it’s in the classroom as a student or on the field as an athlete. The world encourages us to avoid hard things—but choose to do hard things!
How would you describe the relationship that the students have with each other on campus?
My experience was probably different from other students at GCC in being that I played soccer during my time, but most of my relationships were with my teammates. And I’m so grateful for that. My teammates became some of my closest friends. They were there for me in every facet of my life, whether it was soccer, academics, or anything else. When your teammates become friends—not just forced friends—that’s really special. They invested in me outside of soccer, and I’m so grateful to have not only gotten to play soccer with them, but also do life with them.