November 2015 -

Posted on November 30, 2015November 30, 2015 by Logan Hammerschmitt — Leave a comment

An Interview With Gamma Sigma Phi President Mackenzie Sharpe

I recently had the opportunity to interview Mackenzie Sharpe, president of the Gamma Sigma Phi sorority. The following is what transpired:

What do you like the most about your sorority?

I love the community. Being in the sorority has given me the opportunity to bond with girls I wouldn’t have met otherwise. They have become my best friends and I know we will be friends for our whole life. I wouldn’t have gotten to experience such close and unique relationships without the sorority. When you are an underclassman, it is great to have a group of girls who are older than you and take you under their wings. As an upperclassman, you have the opportunity to do the same for the younger girls. I have been able to participate in so many things through the sorority that I wouldn’t have otherwise, such as service projects, sorority events, Bible studies, and IM sports.

What is your greatest memory of being a Gamma Sig?

My greatest memory of being a Gamma Sig is living on the hall with my friends. It is an experience that is irreplaceable. I cannot define it by one specific event or moment because there were so many little things that make it such a great memory. I will look back on my time at the college fondly because of the fun that we had living on the hall together, no matter how stressed we were about school.

Your sorority puts on a lot of events, do you have a favorite?

I really love our fall party. We don’t have to get all dressed up like we do for formal (even though I think formal is great too) but still get to invite dates. We do a typical fall activity. This year we went to a haunted hayride and last fall we went to a corn maze. It is so much fun to do something like that with a big group of your friends.

Does your sorority support a specific charity or organization through fundraisers?

We support a few different charities through our fundraisers. Battle of the Bands is a case by case fundraiser, so we choose something that is relevant during the time we put it on. This year, all the profits went to the American Cancer Society in memory of a KAP alumni who recently passed away. Profits and canned goods donated at The Gobbler go to the Thrifty Threads Food Pantry to support Thanksgiving meals for local families. We Christmas Carol at County Market in the winter to support our Adopt-a-Family and put on a lemonade stand in the spring to support another relevant cause. Last year the money went to a scholarship fund in memory of a cousin of one of our sisters who had recently passed.

Can you tell me a little about your faculty advisor, if you have one, and what they mean to the Gamma Sigs?

Our faculty advisor is Dr. Kimberly Miller, a communications professor. She is so helpful when it comes to questions I have. She goes to lunch with us on occasion to catch up. Her family hosts us for an annual Christmas party and a picnic at the end of the year. She is so hospitable and we love having her as our “mom”.

Can you speak to the friendships you’ve made as a member of the Gamma Sigs that you might not have made otherwise?

I spoke about this a lot above but I will say it again because I am so passionate about it! I really would not have met my best friends if it weren’t for the Gamma Sigs. I did not know my three best friends before I joined the sorority. After joining, you are able to form friendships with others through living on the hall with them. Being surrounded by the people you love most every day is a blessing that I would not have received if I wasn’t in the sorority. We will be friends for life because we have so many shared experiences through the sorority.

Posted on November 30, 2015December 6, 2015 by Anna Scofield — Leave a comment

Passions & Pathways: Career Spotlight on Grace Leuenberger

A liberal arts education at Grove City College allows you to explore your interests with both breadth and depth. In this series, you will meet GCC students who are discovering their passions, pursuing their interests, and customizing their education as they pursue their desired careers.

One day during her freshman year of Grove City College, Grace Leuenberger (’16) was feeling creative and designed a poster for an upcoming theater production on campus. Her brother, who was an actor in the play, was impressed with her design and encouraged her to show it to the director. Soon afterward, Grace landed a job as the Public Relations Crew Chief for the show.

This first poster design began Grace’s passion for graphic design.

Over the next two years, Grace became more involved in theater and put her newly discovered skill to work in the theatre program through various forms of publicity and advertising. She designed posters for plays, worked on social media for theater productions, recruited volunteers, became a student director, and even wrote and performed her own One Act play.

In order to gain more knowledge and experience in graphic design, Grace supplemented her communication studies and English classes with design courses such as Intro to Design, Interactive Design & User Experience, Printmaking, and Visual Communication Design I.

“I took Intro to Design with Nate Mucha and that was a really great foundational overview for me,” Grace explains. “That was really great because there is structure to be learned and there are principles of design that are foundational…I also took a web development design course called Interactive Design & User Experience. I really loved that course because it involved the strategy behind design and then it involved carrying out that strategy and making it into an aesthetic piece. I really enjoyed that course because of how many areas of the brain it used, because I do enjoy the design but I also like solving problems and planning projects.”

In addition to advertising for the theater program, Grace has also been able to apply her interest in design to other organizations on campus and in the surrounding Grove City area, such as the Career Services Office, Orientation Board, and Olde Town Grove City.

At the end of her junior year, Grace wanted to find an internship that would give her the opportunity to be creative as well as give her valuable professional experience. She was able to pursue her creative interests in the corporate world through an internship at UPMC in Pittsburgh.

“I worked in the creative services department, which basically what we did was marketing and communication-related tasks that helped recruiters draw in people to apply for jobs and to work at UPMC,” Grace explains. “In that role, I did a variety of tasks so I did everything from helping create content and write blog posts to going out and going on video shoots and photo shoots. I helped do writing and editing for internal newsletters, I also did some extensive graphic design projects…I thrive on variety so that internship worked really well since I got to use different sides of my brain, both the writing side which comes a lot from the communication and English courses that I’ve taken, to some of the design principles that I’ve learned in Nate Mucha’s classes. All of that kind of coming together and colliding was really a good experience.”

Looking back on her experience, Grace says that Grove City College has a lot to offer to students who are interested in design.

“A great advantage of coming to a small school is that you’re going to have a plethora of opportunities to design. If you went to a big school for design, you’re going to be competing with tons of other people for attention for your designs, but here there are a ton of organizations and offices on campus that you’re going to be able to design for, so you’re going to develop a great portfolio of pieces by the time you graduate and you’ll have great things to take away.”

Samples from Grace’s design portfolio:

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Learn more about the Department of Communication & Visual Arts here.

Learn more about the theatre program here.

To see more from Grace’s design portfolio, go here.

Posted on November 30, 2015November 30, 2015 by Addie Fox — Leave a comment

Transfers to the Grove: Heather Palmer

Heather Palmer ’16 is majoring in Psychology and Biology, and she transferred to Grove City in the fall of 2013.

1. What college did you transfer from and why?

I transferred to GCC from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. RWC didn’t meet my academic, social, or religious expectations, so I began looking for a school with high standards

2. How did you find Grove City?

I asked around and found that a few of my friends from high school were at GCC and loved it. I came to visit them and asked a lot of questions about Grove. They knew the kind of high academic standards with which we were accustomed, and they were able to compare it to our high school and answer my questions. They took me to Beans on Broad, showed me the labs in Rockwell (STEM was not yet open), and let me stay in a room in MAP North.

3. What made you eventually decide to transfer to Grove City?

The residence halls, the cafeterias, the beauty of the campus was unbelievable. I had been longing for a school with strong community where the students wanted to get the most out of their education and their years at this institution.

4. What made you stay?

At GCC, I smiled at the thought of going to class. I learned something every day; the professors are brilliant and insightful and care about the academic and personal lives of their students. I realized this was what I had been missing. I often stop and look around, and I have to thank God for bringing me to such a wonderful school.

5. What ways did Grove City offer to help you get assimilated when you first came?

Orientation Board helped a lot, I depended on my roommates a lot to fill me in (Laura and Bex weren’t transfers). The fall transfers of 2013 bonded rather well, likely because the males were housed on the same hall in Hicks. We made a family, and we still have dinner and celebrate holidays together. Many other students don’t understand the transfers’ common experiences. We have found that it takes a certain type of person to have the strength to change schools, and we have a lot in common.

6. How will this experience influence your future after you graduate?

My closest friends, the ones I know will remain in my life for years to come, transferred into Grove City College. We have a special bond, and I have a special place in my heart for those who took the road less traveled in order to get here.

Posted on November 30, 2015November 30, 2015 by kleinsm1 — Leave a comment

Grovers Abroad: Q&A with Raquel Fereshetian

Raquel Fereshetian is a junior communication studies major with a minor in business. She is currently spending a semester abroad in Florence Italy at the international institute Lorenzo de’Medici. After graduation Raquel hopes to enter into a marketing or design job in the fashion industry.

Why were you interested in studying abroad?

I decided to study abroad because I wanted to step out into the world and experience and see life in a new way. I was also encouraged by many upperclassman and family members.

What did the process look like in regards to finding your program?

There were many different options in finding a school and program abroad. The GCC international office of education put me in contact with upperclassman who had previously studied abroad to help guide me and share their own experiences. I really valued the inside advice that they provided which allowed me to finally choose Florence and my institute, LdM.

What does your program look like in Florence, classes and living situation?

I attend Lorenzo de’ Medici, an Italian international institute located in different places all around the heart of the city of Florence. I am taking classes including Visual Communications (Graphic Design), Sociology of Consumerism, Intercultural Communications, Anthropology of Fashion, and of course, Italian. I especially appreciate the very highly educated Italian native teachers and the insight they provide on their respective topics. I directly enrolled into the institute so, although I am not directly included in a program, I enjoy getting to know those who are through my classes and the many activities (museum visits, tours, and wine tastings) that the school provides. I am even involved in a free ceramics club! I live in an apartment in the city with three roommates, a walk from the main center. I absolutely love my authentic Italian apartment, and although I have a lot of new responsibilities, it is wonderful to be able to feel accomplished living on my own.

Could you generally describe what your experience has been like so far?

I experienced very little culture shock as I find I am able to adapt quickly, however, the stress of life abroad is very hard to get used to. There is something new to experience or to see every day which can sometimes be overwhelming. I, however, have found that the growing experience that study abroad provides is completely worth all of the difficulties. My time in Florence has been faster than I could ever imagine, and I have found myself soaking up the last few wonderful moments I will have in this city that has become my home.

What are some of your favorite places or experiences you’ve had while studying abroad?

I had the wonderful privilege of traveling all around Europe during my time here in Florence, including Belgium, Italy, Hungary, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia. Out of the nine countries I have been able to explore, I have grown to especially love Italy. I found that taking time to immerse myself into the Italian culture has allowed me to even more appreciate my home here. I absolutely loved having authentic Italian experiences and learning the inner workings of life here. In Italy, a bigger country than I ever realized before, I was able to travel to small and large cities, beaches, lakes, and islands. My favorite moments included times when I could converse and befriends locals.

Would you recommend students consider studying abroad, and how important do you think it is to a college experience?

YES. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity where you can learn and grow immensely. The weeks before leaving for Italy I kept asking myself why I chose to part from everything that was familiar to me: friends, family, my school, and my country and live in a completely unfamiliar place. I was challenged by someone close to me that the Christian walk is not about being dependent on the securities of life but instead stepping out of that comfort. In addition to this challenge, I would say that studying abroad has been a key time for me to reflect on my life and future desires.

You can follow Raquel’s journey on her blog here (http://becomingflorentine.com/)

Posted on November 27, 2015December 12, 2015 by Emily Rothbard — Leave a comment

From Guangzhou to the Grove: Q&A with Agnes Tan

Agnes Tan, a sophomore History major, grew up in southern China and ventured to the States in 2014 to begin her college journey at Grove City. As someone with an international perspective and a genuine heart for learning, Agnes offers unique insight on what it means to be a Grover.

Where did you grow up?

Well, I’m Malaysian technically, but my mom and dad brought me to China when I was two months old. I grew up in southern China between the two big cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen and we moved around a lot. I think I moved eight times in 14 years, but just from home to home in these two cities—so urban areas, not at all like Grove City.

What led you to Grove City?

I was home schooled and during high school I took classes from an online course provider called The Potter’s School that’s based in the States. I discovered that four of my English teachers had graduated from Grove City and I heard of it from other homeschooling families as well, so I decided to look it up.

What made you want to pursue history as your major?

I didn’t have a rigorous history education in high school and I’m not a history buff, but my mom runs a little school in China and I’ve just always been interested in designing curriculum and giving people the right books so that exciting things happen in their minds and souls and spirits. I discovered the Classical Christian Education minor here at Grove City, and after taking some of the history courses I realized that to plan a good curriculum I would need to know more information about the general scheme of events and be able to analyze things better.

Has Grove City become a second home for you?

I would say it has. When I first came, Grove City blew me away by just how different everything was. The little houses looked so picturesque. It’s not at all like the 30-story apartment buildings that we have. It looked new and strange, but now I feel comforted when I walk outside and I know these trees, I know this landscape. I feel happy when I do that, so that’s a sign that it’s become home.

What do you appreciate most about Grove City?

There are people that are drawn to Grove City because they’re honestly pursuing the truth and the good, proper, beautiful things that Christians are called to look for. I’ve found a lot of these people in my classes, and their eyes sparkle when we talk about great ideas or star gazing. These people inspire me. Whether professors or students, they show me that a Christian life is rich, and I really appreciate that.

Faith and Freedom are the pillars of Grove City College, but is that combination pretty rare back in China?

Definitely. I just find myself constantly amazed here at Grove City, in the things I’m allowed to do and say. Sometimes I catch myself in classes thinking, “Wow! That student said something that’s very legitimate, but I would never have thought it was okay to say.” So I’m breaking boundaries I had set up for myself from my past environment and better understanding things like disagreeing in a Christian fashion, arguing, and searching for the truth. I think I might have settled for not doing that back home.

How do you stay connected with your family?

I have a pretty large family by Chinese standards. I have a younger sister, younger brother, and two of my cousins who live with us for education opportunities. So that’s my family. I stay connected with them through an app on my phone called WeChat. We have a family chat group and my family will send pictures, video clips, and voice messages. So it’s a huge continuous conversation. My brother will send a photo of his campus, my mom will send a photo of a new table cloth she bought, etc. And we Skype too.

Agnes Tan's family.1 — Agnes (top right) with her family

Who or what has helped you through the cultural transition?

The special, kind people that are drawn to Grove City who are genuine. They don’t gossip or create drama. They are just kind and welcoming. I have had so many people ask me about China, and that’s honestly blown me away. It wouldn’t occur to me that anyone would be interested, but a lot of my friendships have started with people being interested first in me, and then I just learn to mimic them and respond in the same way.

What do you think Americans can learn from Asian culture?

Well, since coming here, I have been pleasantly surprised often to find traits of what I would think of as traditional Chinese or Asian culture in the Christian body in America. Some of my friends on campus have shown me what gentleness looks like. Though I used to think, “Oh, Chinese people are quiet and meek,” I’ve come to realize that, “Oh, Christian people are quiet and meek.” I’ve never met more tactful people than some of the people I’ve met here at Grove City. Those positives that I might have thought about, I realize they’re not cultural—they’re really Christ-like character traits.

What is your favorite American food?

Definitely bread. We don’t have a lot of bread in China. People might buy it and eat it as a snack, but you wouldn’t see it during lunch and dinner. Bread and butter, bread and soups, bread and salads—it’s just amazing to me. And Cheese! Cheese is completely foreign to me. I love rich hearty kinds.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

My plan right now, though that’s definitely up in the air, would be to go back to China. I primarily see education as a place for me, but coming to Grove City has taught me that I can educate people on more than just academics. I love food, I love the arts and the truth that is in there, and I want to be able to educate people in that as well when I go back. I want to live a life that is rich with beauty and then teach other people to live lives that are more full of beauty as well.

To find out more about the History Department, click here.

Posted on November 26, 2015December 6, 2015 by Anna Scofield — Leave a comment

Passions & Pathways: Career Spotlight on Abby Genzink

Coming into college, Abby Genzink (’16) knew that she wanted to pursue a career in international development. Her passion for faith and relationships led her to become interested in community and international development.

Specifically, Abby’s passion for international development grew out of her heart for restoring human dignity and respect.

“I love watching people be dignified and watching people be respected and there are so many places around the world where that is not happening,” she explains.

Abby finds joy in connecting people with others who are unlike them and she describes this process as building bridges.

“I’m so passionate about development and bringing dignity to people, especially in regards to providing for themselves and their families, and along with that, teaching people how we can partner with people who are in poverty in ways that we aren’t, because we also have issues that they can teach us,” she explains.

As she considered her interests and options, Abby decided to pursue a double major in English and Communication Studies in order to gain an interdisciplinary approach to international development.

“I’ve always loved literature, but I also loved how literature could help me to understand culture in a different way,” she says.

In addition to learning in her English classes, Abby’s communication classes have given her the opportunity to learn more about international development through various projects.

“For my Research Methods project, I did a study on how conflict affects poverty. I feel like I learned so much from that. I feel like I’ve gotten, in my own way, a focus in international development through my comm major. Communication has given me the skills but it has also given me freedom to learn more about development through a communication lens,” she says.

Several experiences outside of class have also encouraged Abby’s interest in community and international development. During her sophomore year, Abby had a service learning internship with Olde Town Grove City, where she learned more about issues in community development. This past summer, Abby was able to experience international development through a service trip to Armenia with the Red Box Missions program at GCC.

In Armenia, Abby partnered with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, where she visited several of their programs and partnerships. She visited many places such as a farm, a refugee center, and a school, and Abby wrote stories about each for the organization’s website.

For the second half of her trip, Abby worked on a variety of projects for a small nonprofit in the city of Ejmiatsin which teaches classes for Armenian children about government, justice, their rights as citizens, and practical skills for trade. Abby explains that teaching children is an important aspect of development. “Part of what they say about development is that you need to teach children from the very start so that they are equipped to have minds that are creative and problem solve and understand that they deserve to be respected,” she says.

As a result of her wide variety of learning experiences at Grove City College, Abby has found a niche for herself in communications within the field of international development.

“The more that I’ve learned about myself, the more I’ve learned that I want to do communications within that field….in international development, you need doctors, you need economists, and you need people doing communications and I feel like that is where I fit in,” she says.

Reflecting on her experiences so far, Abby recognizes the importance of taking initiative when it comes to pursuing your passions.

“If I had it in my head that I was looking for the opportunities, I always found them…My professors were really good about partnering with me and helping me find the things that would be geared toward what I wanted to do and would prepare me for my future.”

Posted on November 25, 2015December 7, 2015 by Anna Scofield — Leave a comment

Passions & Pathways: Career Spotlight on Kristin Thomas

For Kristin Thomas (’16), growing in faith and developing a lifelong pursuit of truth is at the heart of her college education and future career as a nurse.

As a senior in high school, Kristin was inspired by her AP biology class and thought she might pursue a career as a nurse. After considering a few options, Kristin decided to attend Grove City College as a biology major.

Some of Kristin’s favorite courses in biology at GCC have been Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Cell Biology.

“Microbiology, taught by Dr. Stauff, is amazing. I loved that class. We learned a lot about the cell, and different bacteria and viruses that cause different diseases. It was so cool to learn about all of these incredibly complicated systems that happen in just a tiny cell,” Kristin says.

Kristin explains that, because biology is a science about the study of life, the Christian perspective at Grove City College provides a unique approach to studying biology. She explains that, while not every professor and student within the biology department holds the same views, the common thread of faith is the same.

“Some people are theistic evolutionists and other people are more conservative in their views,” she explains, “however, the one thing is that regardless about how they believe how the world began, its origins, they all believe that God was sovereign and that everything in this world was designed. I think that there is such a big difference when you study something like biology with the idea that it is all a design rather than being complete chance.”

Kristin explains that this emphasis on faith has helped her see a connection between biology and her faith in Christ.

“To me, it has helped me to love the Lord with my mind…I’ve been able to intellectually believe more in God and appreciate the whole idea of this world being a design. Not only does God know how our cells defend against invading bacteria and other pathogens, but he can also know what is going on in my heart and in other people’s hearts. The fact that he is both a designer and a comforter helped me, as a biology major, to see a different side of who God is.”

For Kristin, an education rooted in knowing God and finding truth is invaluable.

“You can learn to be a nurse anywhere. Any nursing school can teach you how to be a good nurse, but not every institution can teach you how to think critically about the world and how to honor God,” Kristin says. “I realize that there is going to be a time in my life that I am going to stop being a nurse…but there is not going to be a time in my life when I stop learning about God and growing in God and that is something that Grove City has taught me that a lot of other schools can’t teach you.”

Learn more about the biology major at GCC here.

Learn more about the pre-health concentration here.

Posted on November 16, 2015December 2, 2015 by Meghan Gallagher — Leave a comment

GC Takes the DR

Three simple letters, ICO, could really stand for anything beyond Grove City’s campus (igloo crafting octogenarians for one) but here they represent a pretty stellar ministry: Inner City Outreach. Not to be mislead by the name, this organization is not one group of students who venture to various major cities, but an acronym that encompasses short-term missions trips led by Grove City students within the United States and abroad. To get a better idea of what ICO really stands for (besides the name, obviously) I spoke with two current seniors leading trips this year.

Kayley Heller (pictured on the left) is a senior Finance major from Newtown, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. This coming January she is co- leading twenty of her peers on an international missions trip to the Dominican Republic. Rewinding a bit to freshman year, Kayley remembers seeing a flier for an ‘ICO’ trip, but not comprehending all the three simple letters entailed. When sophomore year rolled around, Kayley decided to apply for a trip to the Dominican Republic regardless of the fact she knew no one else going. Kayley describes almost an inherent beauty in venturing forth alone – she would not have been stretched, made new friends, or been shaken out of her comfort zone if she was surrounded by people she already knew well.

What do these trips look like?

There are two basic distinctions, one being trips that are led within the United States to places such as Los Angeles, New York City, Rhode Island, and Arizona, and the other being international trips to Jamaica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic to name a few. Some trips take place over Thanksgiving break, however most occur during intersession in January or over Easter break. Kayley’s trip to the Dominican Republic is in January, which means in terms of planning and fundraising she hit the ground running in September.

Travelling with twenty students to the Dominican Republic for approximately two weeks is no small feat, so it requires a considerable amount of fundraising. Most students send support letters to friends, family, and their churches back home, with the college even chipping in a bit for the trip. Other fundraising activities, especially for those who might be wary sending support letters may include a bake sale on campus. Kayley honestly says, however, she’s repeatedly shocked at how willing people are to give after receiving a letter.

Once in the Dominican Republic, the team partners with an organization, Meeting God in Missions, that assists the students with logistics and provides a place to stay. An interesting aspect of ICO Dominican Republic is one form of volunteering does not reign supreme over the rest, such as constructing houses, instead there are a variety of ways in which students can support the local community. Medical, dental, and optical clinics are created, VBS is taught, prayer walks are organized, homes are constructed, and baseball clinics are run to the delight of local children.

As we talked more about her experiences, Kayley remembered on one of her trips down to the DR her team had the opportunity to worship in a local Haitian church (many of the villages they served in were comprised of Haitian refugees). The message would have to be translated from Haitian to Spanish to English and back again just to give the students a vague understanding of the sermon. Singing, however, was different. I got chills up my spine when I heard Kayley describe her group worshiping in English, others singing in Spanish, and the locals singing in Haitian all at once – lifting praises to the Lord required no translation.

So why is it worth it?

Kayley offered a few suggestions: the trip itself does not require great personal sacrifice (besides time and if you decide not to fundraise, some money), you acquire a new perspective on life, a new community, and learn to better appreciate what you have been blessed with. Kayley used the word “simplify” to describe her change in attitude – when put in perspective our daily stresses seem entirely less significant than what a destitute refugee endures within their village.

If either aspects of going to another country or fundraising large amounts of money don’t sit well with you, there are other, more “local” opportunities. Over this Thanksgiving break senior Emily Bartlow is co-leading a trip to Providence, Rhode Island. Being from Sacramento, California going home for Thanksgiving is not always an easy process, so a few years ago Emily decided to join the team to Providence. Emily describes the trip as a wonderful time to put studies aside and dedicate time to someone else for a change. In Providence the team stays and serves at a local shelter, Providence Rescue Mission, where they help with maintenance but also prepare and deliver Thanksgiving meals for those who stay at the shelter and on the streets. Hundreds, if not thousands of homeless men and women in Providence receive a meal that the students help prepare.

To learn more about ICO trips and how you can be involved, click here.

Posted on November 16, 2015November 30, 2015 by Anna Scofield — Leave a comment

Grovers Abroad: Q&A with Allison Hafner

Allison Hafner (‘17), a psychology major at Grove City College, is currently spending a semester abroad at University College Cork in Ireland. Through the GCC Office of International Education and the University Studies Abroad Consortium, Allison is broadening her education across the pond.

1. Why did you decide to study abroad in Ireland?

Ireland was one of those places I had always wanted to visit. I never thought I’d get the opportunity, so when it started to seem like study abroad was an option, it was one of the first I looked into. Everything started to come together and Cork seemed like the best fit.

2. What was the process that you went through to find a study abroad program?

To be honest, I did very little to find the program. I went to the Office of International Education and asked for information about studying abroad. I didn’t think I’d be able afford it and I was mostly looking at estimated costs. They gave me a couple of books that contained programs and the universities they worked with. USAC [University Studies Abroad Consortium] included a program in Ireland that offered major courses I needed so I ran with it.

3. What classes are you taking this semester?

I’m taking 3 major required courses: Therapies, Biological Basis of Behavior, and Cognitive Psychology. Being a foreign student, I also get the opportunity to take cultural classes not available to Irish students. I’m in an introductory Irish history course and an Irish folklore course.

4. What would you consider to be the best parts of living at Cork this semester?

The most obvious answer to that would be to simply see Ireland. The country is stunning. Learning about its history while getting to see the landscapes and castles is so surreal. However, some of the best memories I’ll be taking from this semester are the interactions I’ve had while here. I was welcomed into a church and, even if for a season, made some wonderful friends. Traveling is fun, but sharing the experiences is such a joy.

DSC_0437edit — Allison on the coast in Derrynane, Ireland.

4. How has your experience living in another country supplemented your education as a Grove City student?

For me, it gave me a chance to be more independent. I was very much on my own, and while challenging at times, it gave me a chance to see where I’m at. My entire grade rests on my finals, which forces me to study and do the reading without anything to hold me accountable during the semester. It was also a good opportunity for me to be intentional with my faith. University College Cork has the nickname “the godless campus.” It’s a very secular school (which is a very different atmosphere from Grove City). If I wanted to grow, I had to make the time and invest.

6. If you were talking to a prospective student thinking about studying abroad, why would you recommend studying abroad through Grove City College?

Studying abroad is unique; you won’t be able to replicate it later on in life. One of the things about Grove City’s study abroad office that I am so thankful for is their flexibility and patience. They are very good at helping find a program, answering questions, and working through difficulties as they arise.

To learn more about the study abroad opportunities provided by Grove City College, visit the Office of International Education.

Posted on November 16, 2015November 16, 2022 by Emily Rothbard — Leave a comment

Student Missionary Fellowship Lifts Up the Nations

At Grove City College, faith and freedom go together like crimson and white, pancakes and finals week, rings and spring—you name it. They’re integral to our mission, firmly rooted in the pursuit of objective truth. Though we tend to take for granted this fundamental combination, a good glance beyond the Grove will reveal that persecution is real and rampant.

According to Open Doors USA, an average of 322 Christians are murdered every month—just some of the 100 million worldwide currently suffering for their faith. Not only does persecution harm Christians—it also suppresses the truth and keeps it from reaching the lost. Yet what can be done? Perhaps statistics like these don’t mean much for college students caught up in the craziness of figuring out their futures. And even if their hearts do ache, what sort of impact can they make from 7,000 miles away? Perhaps none. But Amy R. (’16) and Zachary P. (’17) would beg to differ.

As missionary kids who have come to recognize the importance of cross-cultural ministry and the power of prayer, Amy and Zachary set out to establish a place of fellowship for missionally minded students on campus, founding the Student Missionary Fellowship earlier this fall. As an organization that’s dedicated to providing opportunities for students to gather together, network with missionaries, and strategically pray for the nations, SMF certainly contributes to the college’s mission to “produce young leaders capable of pushing civilization forward on every frontier.”

Every Sunday night SMF members get together to discuss and pray over current world issues like the Syrian refugee crisis, ISIS, Boko Haram, the Oregon shooting, and other precarious situations that pose major threats to the church, and humanity as a whole. The group also brings in speakers to share their insight, such as recent guest Suzanne Rumbaugh—Northeast Director of Mobilization for Frontiers Missions. With first-hand experience on the mission field and a heart for sharing the gospel, Mrs. Rumbaugh shed some light on what’s going on in the Muslim world, which comprises 80% of today’s unreached population. After showing videos depicting Saudi Arabia as dangerous yet fertile ground for seeds of truth to be planted, she invited students to gather around a world map to pray over the Middle East and other regions in crisis.

As Christ-followers who have witnessed God working abroad since they were young, Amy and Zachary realize the Great Commission is more than a mere suggestion. “Right before Jesus ascended into Heaven,” says Zachary, “He commanded us to go into all the nations, preaching and baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—but if you just think about it, why wouldn’t you want to see Christians in other countries?” His zeal is shared by Amy, who affirms that “It’s the purpose of history that the Lord’s name would be glorified in all the nations.”

Matthew 9:37-38 forms the foundation of the Fellowship’s mission: “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” In light of this, SMF hopes to recruit more laborers as they seek to build His Kingdom, one prayer at a time.

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Amy R., a senior Entrepreneurship major, moved to Honduras at the age of 11 to serve with her family at a mission hospital. After graduation, she hopes to start a business in the sphere of social entrepreneurship that would benefit human-trafficked women in the US or around the world. Thanks to Grove City, she has had countless opportunities to “hone and pursue different ideas, especially within the Entrepreneurship Department” as she seeks to make her mark.

Zachary P. is a junior Biblical & Religious Studies and Business Management double major who grew up in the Czech Republic. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue seminary and eventually mission work in a developing country. For Zachary, being at Grove City “has definitely deepened my relationship with God and made me a lot more mature, responsible and wiser than I think I would have been if I had gone anywhere else. It has also seriously encouraged me to continue thinking of going abroad, so I’m very thankful for that.”