Student Life Archives - Page 3 of 4 -

Posted on May 21, 2019May 21, 2019 by Laura Locher — Leave a comment

The Collegian: What it is Like to Edit a Newspaper at Grove City College

Grove City College offers students who enjoy writing and editing many opportunities to utilize their skills, such as working for The Collegian, Grove City’s campus newspaper.

Sophomore Britney Lukasiewicz is a copy editor for The Collegian at Grove City College. Britney has had experience in copy editing prior to attending Grove City, thus, when coming to campus she knew that copy editing was something she wanted to continue pursuing.

When asked how The Collegian has affected Britney since arriving on campus, she responded, “Being a part of the newspaper has given me a chance to meet new people and learn more about journalism.” Additionally, Britney describes the responsibilities of a copy editor for the school newspaper along with the time commitment in joining The Collegian in this specific position. She says, “Copy editors get an assignment sent to them each week of what type of articles they will edit (sports, entertainment, etc.) and then they get a day or two to correct them…Joining The Collegian is an easy way to get more involved with the campus, and it does not require a lot of time out of the week to complete.”

From Britney’s perspective, working for The Collegian as a copy editor is not all together a time-consuming task, however, it is incredible experience in the field of work she wants to pursue after graduating from Grove City. Britney explains how working for the Collegian, in any capacity, is a great way to dip your toes into the world of editing and/or publishing. She describes how working for the campus paper is not an overbearing time commitment, but the job does teach you valuable lessons in the world of writing, editing, and publishing.

All in all, working for The Collegian at Grove City College, provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in their field, while not being overwhelmed with an overbearing time commitment alongside of being a full-time student.

Posted on April 30, 2019April 29, 2019 by Erica Kolson — Leave a comment

Being an Undeclared Major – Katelyn Bartley

Sophomore Katelyn Bartley talks about coming to Grove City College without having a declared major. She says she decided to be undeclared because she was not confident in what she wanted to do for a career. Katelyn also felt that as a home-schooled student she had not explored all the options of possible career paths well enough to make an informed decision. She says she knew that she enjoyed some subjects she had learned about in high school, like English and History, but did not think that she wanted to pick a major based on that.

Katelyn says that as an undeclared major she was able to take different classes and learn more about her options for majors. She was able to avoid falling behind by taking a lot of required classes. One of these core classes was sociology and, from there, she developed an interest in social work. After taking more social work classes her second semester, she declared her major as Social Work.

Katelyn says she does not regret coming to college as an undeclared major. She says the decision was very helpful because she did not take classes she did not need by coming in as another major and then having to switch later on. She had the opportunity to take general classes that would apply to any major while exploring a few classes that sparked her interest. She credits this decision to not putting her behind in her major requirements now.

When asked if she has any advice for rising freshmen that are facing the same decisions, she says they should come in undeclared if they have a couple options and are unsure of one specific major. Katelyn points out that the professors are really helpful with students that want to explore options or have questions. She also says that student advisors are helpful in transferring from being undeclared to finding a major. She says that career services also personally aided her in her decision.

“There are always people here to give you advice and help you figure it out,” says Katelyn.

Posted on April 19, 2019April 16, 2019 by Gretchen Blizzard — Leave a comment

CliftonStrengths Assessment Project | Part 4 with Jake Dobransky

This year, Grove City College had several students take the CliftonStrengths assessment for free as part of a grant the college was awarded in order to foster a deeper exploration of calling and vocation for the students. The program development grant is from the Council of Independent Colleges, specifically their Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education. This assessment endeavors to provide students with a common language of talents and strengths and attempts to promote a culture where students thrive both inside the classroom here at Grove City College, and in the outside world. One of those students that took the CliftonStrengths Assessment is junior Jake Dobransky, who is pursuing a Business Economics major.

I asked Jake how the CliftonStrengths Assessment has helped to shape his understanding of calling and vocation, and he said, “The CliftonStrengths Assessment has helped me see that whatever future God has for me, He has wired me with strengths and gifts to prepare me for my future roles.” I also asked Jake about how learning his results has helped him in his academics and he said that the assessment has not really influenced his academic work. Although he did say it gave him a greater understanding of who he is, but he is still the same student as he was before.

I discussed with Jake how learning, and now knowing his results, has helped him in different leadership roles he may experience. He said, “The assessment gave me clear insight that my strengths don’t center in influencing others. If I want to inspire or change a group of people’s minds, it may be best for me to connect with an individual with influence and have them encourage others with their help.” I also asked him how learning his results has helped him in relationships with others, both on and off-campus, he said, “With my greater awareness of my sense of responsibility, I try to be more patient with those around me who like to waste time. It is right and natural to be balanced, and that means having fun is good once in a while.” Jake said learning his different strengths and talents through this assessment has helped him to be a better Residents Assistant (RA) to those he serves. He said both in understanding why he values his work and how he can better engage with his residents.

Jake said he has not noticed any significant changes in his daily life, but he realizes now he is more self-aware. He said when working with others he is more patient and tries to selectively choose his words in order to achieve the best end result in any given situation. Jake said the best takeaway from this assessment was, “I am not an influencer by nature and must rely on facts and reason to convince others. I have adjusted my efforts in how I try to relate with those around me.”

Jake plans to start a career where he can utilize the economics he is learning here at Grove City College and pair it alongside his love for data analytics when he graduates. Here on campus Jake is a member of the Beta Sigma fraternity, a Residents Assistant (RA) in Lincoln, a member of the Men’s Club Volleyball Team, a member of the Crimson and White Society, and a Member of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK).

Posted on April 17, 2019April 16, 2019 by Gretchen Blizzard — Leave a comment

CliftonStrengths Assessment Project | Part 2 with Kristen Bishop

This year, Grove City College had several students take the CliftonStrengths assessment for free as part of a grant the college was awarded in order to foster a deeper exploration of calling and vocation for the students. The program development grant is from the Council of Independent Colleges, specifically their Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education. This assessment endeavors to provide students with a common language of talents and strengths and attempts to promote a culture where students thrive both inside the classroom here at Grove City College, and in the outside world. One of those students that took the CliftonStrengths Assessment is senior Kristen Bishop, who is pursuing a Communications Studies major, with a Biblical and Religious Studies minor. Kristen’s top five strengths from the assessment include: communication, activator, ideation, woo, and strategic.

I asked Kristen how the CliftonStrengths assessment has shaped her understanding of calling and vocation, and she said, “It has helped me understand gifts that I have been given and how to embrace them and use them well. Instead of trying to fit a mold I now understand I should look for a job that I am already gifted at so that I can help a company, organization, or non-profit do well and grow.” I also asked Kristen how learning her results has helped her in her academics and she said the results have helped her to understand why school has always been a struggle for her, and how she can learn best and adapt her learning style and study habits to aid herself in the best way possible.

I also discussed with her how learning her results have helped her in different leadership roles. She said the results allow her to focus in on the gifts she has and help her to better understand her leadership roles. She said, “I understand that I love to get things started right away, communicate plans of action, create new ideas and ways of getting jobs done, and working with others.”

I asked about how her results have helped her in different relationships with others both on and off campus, she said, “Being aware of my strengths has helped me be aware of how I go about problems or issues, but also learning about other’s strengths has helped me understand that there might be miscommunication because we are coming from different points of view.” Kristen said her results help her most in a job setting when it comes to how well she works with others. She said it also encourages her to learn more about her leadership style and how she learns best.

I inquired if she has noticed any significant changes in her daily life since learning her results from the CliftonStrengths Assessment, and she said, “I do practices to help me grow in my strengths. For example, with ideation, I have an idea book and write down all my ideas so that I can sort through them and actually work on them!” Kristen said the best take away she has gained since taking this assessment is learning that you grow more when focusing on your strengths rather than your weaknesses. She said, “Instead of trying to fit into a job you aren’t gifted in, look for a career your natural gifts lead you to. You’ll then be able to help more in the job and feel more fulfilled.”

Kristen plans to work with the Young Life Field Staff when she leaves Grove City College. Here on campus she is involved with the Gamma Sigma Phi sorority and she is a Young Life Leader.

Posted on April 14, 2019April 4, 2019 by Laura Locher — Leave a comment

The Truth Behind Sororities on Campus: Sigma Theta Chi

Sigma Theta Chi sorority sisters of Grove City College

Sigma Theta Chi, also referred to as the Sig Thets, is one of eight sororities on Grove City’s campus. Junior Sig Thet Samantha Funderlich only has wonderful things to say about her experience joining this sorority.

When asked to describe her sorority in three words, Samantha said, “The sisters of Sigma Theta Chi are loyal, sincere, and fun.” I could not think of a more accurate description for the Sig Thets. Sig Thet members are striving to uphold the ideals in their constitution as well as create a space for disciple making in the sorority. Samantha expressed how her group on campus has affected her walk with Christ when she said, “…I have become a better person and a strong Christian, specifically through the women in my family line. I would not have asked for a better experience at Grove City College.”

In addition, Samantha described her experience and what that has been like since being an active member of the group, commonly referred to as “actives.” She said, “Since my first experience with the girls, I have formed deep friendships and mentor relationships with the other actives. Having all of the older actives pour advice and love into our relationships was a great experience being a junior, I have loved every part of being able to guide the younger women to becoming who God wants them to be.”

Grove City provides its students with ample opportunity to find community, discipleship, and life-lasting friendships. One way to find all three of these things is by joining Greek life on campus. Sororities at Grove City give students the chance to meet new people, specifically through the process called Rush. Not only are these groups at Grove City incredible for community within the group, but Greek Life is also amazing for community building with other groups on campus. Samantha Funderlich has experienced this first hand through joining the Sigma Theta Chi. Samantha would recommend joining a sorority because “they are great for benefiting the community through philanthropy/charity work, provide you with leadership opportunities, networking through actives and alumni, and above all else: creating fun memories and relationship.”

Posted on April 13, 2019April 4, 2019 by Laura Locher — Leave a comment

The Truth Behind Sororities on Campus: Gamma Sigma Phi

Grove City College has a multitude of sororities that students can choose from upon arrival. One of the eight sororities on campus is Gamma Sigma Phi, often referred to as Gamma Sig.

Sophomore Gamma Sig Becca Cloyd is extremely honest regarding her thoughts on sororities coming into college and more specifically her group on campus. When asked to describe how the Gamma Sigs have affected her since arriving at Grove City, Becca said, “I was very apprehensive about sororities in general at the beginning of freshman year, but on

ce I met the Gamma Sigs I started to really be interested. Since joining the Gamma Sigs, I have felt more love and certainty in friendships than I ever have before.”

Becca continued explaining the specifics of how the Gamma Sig sorority has impacted her faith journey as well as providing her with life-long skills. “I think that I have grown in my faith. It has also taught me a lot about community and living with people who don’t always share the same thoughts and opinions…and since I am a Management major and will have to work with people who have different views than me at some point.”

Sororities, specifically the Gamma Sigs, provide an ample amount of opportunities for girls to be welcomed into the group. Friendships that last are found within this group on campus. Becca describes her experience of how she struggled with friendships her entire life but joining a sorority and living on a hall with her fellow sisters has proven to provide relationships below the surface level.

Becca’s experience with the Gamma Sigma Phi sorority at Grove City, has provided her with the opportunity to become immersed into the student body, host events on campus, and experience mentor-ship within the group. When asked to describe the Gamma Sigs in three words, Becca says, “community, laughter, and joy.”

Posted on April 12, 2019April 4, 2019 by Laura Locher — Leave a comment

The Truth Behind Sororities on Campus: Alpha Beta Tau

Sororities at Grove City College are unlike sororities at public universities. These groups on campus are closely regulated by the College, provide an ample amount of ministry opportunities, and create space for students to form life-long friendships.

There are eight sororities on Grove City’s campus. This provides a chance for students to find a group that best fits one’s personality.

The largest sorority on campus is Alpha Beta Tau, also known as ABT. Junior ABT Leah Bovard has had nothing but excellent things to say about her group. When asked to describe her sorority in three words, Leah said, “Genuine, intentional, and fun-loving.” Leah then described the types of relationships that have formed since joining the ABTs and said, “I have formed so many different relationships in ABT, I have met some of my best friends. I have also become friends with people I wouldn’t have met outside of the sorority and been able to bond with people going through similar tough life events.”

Some of Leah’s best friends include her little, Alexis King. Now, a little is a new member of the sorority who is being mentored by her big, in this case Leah. The big-little relationship is set up so that the new girls in the sorority can have an upperclassman mentor them in the ways of the sorority but in life as well.

Leah was asked if she would recommend joining a sorority at Grove City to prospective students and she responded with a resounding yes. She expanded on this notion by saying, “Grove City sororities have an interesting opportunity to be a Christ-centered living community for students, something that is not seen through Greek life at most other schools.” Leah is also extremely honest about what her experience in Greek life at Grove City has been by saying, “While there will be times when you think life would be easier without it, the times where the group feels like your home away from home are exponentially greater.”

Within the Alpha Beta Tau sorority at Grove City, close-knit friendships are being born through community, fellowship, and a wide variety of girls that make up the group. The ABTs are a group of about sixty girls who are extremely welcoming, kind, and ready to lead new members in the way of Christ.

Posted on April 11, 2019April 3, 2019 by Hannah Freyvogel — Leave a comment

Home Away From Home

There are few people as intimately involved in creating and nurturing your new home in the residence halls as the Resident Directors (RDs) and Resident Assistants (RAs). I spoke with two RDs to bring you an inside perspective on dorm life from the ones who see it all.

Meredith Gross is the Assistant Director of Residence Life and also the Resident Director of Harker Hall, one of the women’s dorms. When I asked what she thinks is the most important lesson one can take away from living in a dorm, she discussed the real life social impact of learning to live well with others. “Living in a residence hall is great! It is fun and enjoyable, you get to live with your friends and create a new atmosphere away from home, but you also get the chance to learn to live with people who are not your family,” Meredith said, talking about the joys and struggles of living with new people. She highlighted that a strong social life has a positive correlation with doing well academically, and the students who live in residence halls are learning valuable life skills like negotiation, compromise, and leadership. Meredith strongly believes that the life skills you learn as a residential student translate well to being prepared for your goals beyond graduation.

James Phillips is the Resident Director of Ketler Hall, one of the largest men’s dorms. He cited the importance of fostering true, genuine investment in students who want it, and fights to prevent a superficial sense of belonging just by nature of being in a certain dorm or hall. As James put it, “That is more my aim – not to create an artificial sense of belonging, but to give my students space to opt in if they want to. At any given time or given day, there are people in Ketler who want to listen to what they have to say.” Community is a lot more complex than we tend to realize, and difficult to put into words. James makes it a priority to let his students know that there are Resident Assistants and himself available at any time, while making it clear that he does not intend to force a sense of superficial community. It is a hard balance, but one that he carefully tends to so that his students have fulfilling community wherever and whenever they may need it.

Posted on April 6, 2019April 2, 2019 by Hannah Freyvogel — Leave a comment

3 Tips for Successful Planning

If you were like me in high school, I was happily winging my schedule at any given time. Small group meeting tomorrow? Totally fine – I will just file that away with the rest of my life’s schedule that I have memorized! When I arrived at Grove City, however, I realized that my laissez-faire attitude toward planning was not going to work anymore. Juggling anywhere from four to six syllabi in a given semester on top of any internships, jobs or social events that I had planned was not going to be covered by a note jotted down in my phone. Learning how to effectively organize your school, social and work life is pivotal to being successful when you transition into college. Here are three easy tips that can jump start your college planning.

Your first order of business: get a planner! This handy little notebook will become your best friend as you navigate the busy waters of life at Grove City College. The real first thing you should do, however, is write out your entire syllabi schedule in your planner. From every homework assignment, group project and exam, make sure you know when everything is due and what resources you may need to complete the assignments. If your planner has margins, write in the office hours of each professor or their email addresses so you can contact them with any questions. No matter how organized you try to be, you will probably lose at least one syllabus in your college career; make sure that information is written down in a planner so you do not have to worry as much about lost syllabi.

Second, make sure you write down every social engagement or when you have to work. When I say every single event, I mean it; the amount of times my friends and I have double-booked ourselves because we forgot to write down who we were having lunch with is embarrassing! This will not only help you keep a clear schedule for any additional meals or events you want to attend, but it will help you see when you have free time for yourself. College is hectic, and finding alone time can be important for your mental and emotional health. Being consistent with your schedule can help ease the stress of being in college.

Finally, schedule in time for homework. When you do not specifically plan to do homework, it can be easy to flip on Netflix and squander the next several hours bingeing the latest TV show. Instead, schedule time in your day to work on specific homework in your favorite workplace. When you have a homework goal and it is scheduled into your planner, you are more likely to get it done before it becomes last minute. It may feel tedious, but the feeling of freedom on the weekends when you have already finished your homework is totally worth it.

These three tips are simple, but powerful. Learning to schedule wisely can do wonders for easing you into your college career.

Posted on April 5, 2019April 2, 2019 by Gretchen Blizzard — Leave a comment

Double Varsity Sports with Gretchen Elsey

Gretchen Elsey Competing in the High Jump

Gretchen Taking a Shot on the Basketball Court

Gretchen Elsey is a sophomore here at Grove City College, majoring in Exercise Science, while also pursuing a Nutrition minor. When Gretchen is not in the classroom, you can most likely find her on the basketball court or on the track. That is correct, Gretchen plays two different sports at the varsity level for Grove City College. Gretchen is a shooting guard for the women’s basketball team, and she does mostly high jump, with a little bit of long jump for the track and field team.

Gretchen said it takes drive and discipline to play two varsity sports at the collegiate level, but she said she would not want it any other way. When I asked Gretchen about the time she must commit to both sports she said, “Basketball is definitely much more demanding because the season is so long. Our basketball team does a lot of community service projects as well so it’s not just basketball practice every day and it’s super cool to be able to reach out to the community and form those relationships. Whereas track is a little different because I miss a large majority of the indoor season because of basketball. They both take the same level of commitment though, in both sports, the team and coaches are relying on you to show up and focus in to get 1% better each day.”

Gretchen said she had always planned on playing two varsity level sports when she decided to come to Grove City College. I asked Gretchen if she prefers one sport over the other and she said, “That’s a tough question because they are so different. Track is nice because its more individualized in a team setting and it’s scored as a team event, but it heavily relies on how the individual performs. Basketball is 100% a team sport and everyone needs one another to perform at its best.” Gretchen said she has recently excelled more in track, but that basketball has taught her a lot about being mentally tough, which she can carry over from the court to the track.

Advantages coming from playing two sports, according to Gretchen, are all the friends and connections that are made and being like a big family with your team. She also said playing two sports really teaches her how to manage and balance her time effectively. Gretchen said some disadvantages are having less time for relaxing and taking naps, and that trying to make plans can be difficult because there is often a lack of free time.

I asked Gretchen how she manages her time when she is in the heat of her sports seasons, and she said, “It can be challenging but having very little free time really makes you have to do your work in between classes or right after practice. I’ve always been bouncing around from sport to sport and keeping busy, so for me it’s still the same routine.”

I also asked Gretchen how she focuses on academics when she is in the thick of her two different schedules, and she said, “It can be hard at times especially when there are those weeks where it feels like you have absolutely everything due and five exams and no time to do any of it, but I know that in a few years I won’t have competitive sports anymore so ultimately, I’m here to focus on my academics because that will follow me after my college career.”

Gretchen Elsey is the 3^rd on the team in 3-pointers, and a two-year letter winner for the women’s basketball team. When it comes to track and field, Gretchen is the 2018 Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) outdoor high jump champion, 1st Team All-PAC, she has been named PAC Rookie of the Week twice, she has been named ECAC Rookie of the Week twice, she is the 2019 PAC indoor high jump champion, and she is the indoor record holder for women’s high jump at Grove City College.