Faith and freedom are the founding principles that Grove City stands on, but after being on campus you’ll come to realize that it also stands for Family. Grove City seems to attract generations of students following in their parents’ or siblings’ footsteps. Why is that? What makes high school students want to come to the same college as their parents? I decided to talk with one of these legacy students to get some insight.
Clifford Hovis ’16, an entrepreneurship major, knew at a young age that Grove City was the place for him. His career at the college started a little earlier than most of his peers; he attended Pre-Kindergarten in Pew Fine Arts. He talked about coming to various college functions with his parents while growing up, whether it be football games or Homecoming. Grove City was a family affair to Clifford, with his parents, sister, 1 uncle, 3 aunts, and various distant relatives attending the school. He describes attending Grove City as an old family tradition.
With so many members of his family that had attended Grove City, he grew up hearing stories about professors, the campus, Greek life, and other traditions. His father, Cliff J. Hovis, graduated from Grove City with a degree in Marketing in 1989. While his mom, Lynn (Johnson) Hovis graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1989. When the time came for Clifford to start looking at colleges, he knew exactly where he wanted to go. Much to his mother’s nervous dismay, GCC was the only school he visited and applied to! Luckily his parents’ nerves were calmed when he was accepted to Grove City in 2013.
What does Grove City College mean to you?
It is a place where I feel like home. Grove City has played such a major role in the lives of my family members; it gave them a solid foundation to start their lives with. They are all so thankful when they look back on their time at Grove City, because of the things they learned and people they met. For my family, Grove City is their legacy and I hope to continue that legacy.
Why do you think Grove City College attracts generations of students?
Grove City is a conservative Christian school that instills strong values into its students. These students leave GCC and pass them on to their peers and family. People care here, what other school can you go to where your professors actually care about you? Grove City is like a big family, I can’t imagine going anywhere else.
Jen Kerr ’16 is a Psychology major and is minoring in Social Work, and she transferred to Grove City in the fall of 2013.
What college did you transfer from and why?
I transferred from the Community College of Allegheny County. I wasn’t sure exactly where I wanted to go after graduation and the community college was a temporary situation.
How did you find Grove City?
I live outside of Pittsburgh and have known about Grove City for years. A lot of people from my church are associated with Grove City as well.
What made you eventually decide to transfer to Grove City?
I initially did not want to come to Grove City. I felt that it was too close to home and I knew a lot of people here and I wanted a different experience. I finally gave in and went on a tour around campus and fell in love with it. Throughout my freshman year at CCAC I would come up and stay with friends to get a true feel of the school.
4. What made you stay?
Everything. The academics were challenging enough for my attention, the Christian environment was refreshing, the professors are personable and of course my amazing, wonderful friends.
5. What ways did Grove City offer to help you get assimilated when you first came?
My connection group leaders through OB. They were the most helpful, useful and insightful people who gave us the true low down on Grove City and didn’t treat us like freshman, but also understood that we were still new to the school and didn’t know much about the school. OB was the most helpful but that was about it.
How will this experience influence your future after you graduate?
Grove City has prepared me for graduation. This school has instilled a strong work ethic and a strong Christian worldview. It helped me find my passion for social work and grew my passion for serving others.
Senior Aimee Lynch is probably one of the most Christlike and humble girls on campus. She remains unassuming, while possessing an unusual mix of interpersonal and intellectual talents.
Having had a strong interest in science from an early age, Lynch completed two summer internships at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center while still in high school. Even before attending Grove City College, she knew she wanted to minor in astronomy.
This semester, she’s taking Observational Astronomy, where she enjoys utilizing the campus observatory. “I love being able to identify constellations at night, and to be able to actually understand what is going on in the sky,” she enthuses.
As a communications major, Lynch also directs Lambda Pi Eta, the honorary for senior communication studies majors. In October 2015, the group hosted Anna Watson Carl, a GCC alum and author of The Yellow Table, an award-winning, Paris-inspired cookbook. According to Lynch, “the honorary is a great way for motivated students to get involved in the department and to have an avenue to put [their] ideas to work.”
Lynch has had plenty of practice being a leader. As an RA during her sophomore and junior years, she enjoyed great friendships with staff and students as well as the constant learning opportunities that came with the job. “Our weekly staff meetings were filled with interesting discussion, learning how to live reflectively, and affirming our first responsibilities to the Lord,” she reminisces. This year, although she misses being a resident assistant, she has decided to explore her other interests, one of which is learning Farsi.
With a passion for language, Lynch is considering graduate school for linguistics. She has also applied to the State Department’s competitive Critical Language Scholarship, where she aspires to further develop her Farsi skills in Tajikistan.
If that doesn’t pan out, she’s also applied to a study-abroad program in New Zealand and for a product innovator position at ThinkFun. “It’s exciting to think that I could be absolutely anywhere a year from now!” she says. “I know that it can often be stressful for seniors to try to decide where to go after graduation, but I am enjoying the process of brainstorming right now and I know that the Lord has it all planned out already.”
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.
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.
Raquel on a visit to Paris.
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?
The Italian coast.
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/)
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 (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.
Ever since visiting Germany in middle school, Steve Thomas (’16) knew he wanted to return someday. The country and its culture had captured his heart, so, starting in seventh grade, he began to learn the language.
Although he did not initially think about studying abroad, the accounting and finance major began to contemplate the idea once he got to Grove City. After investigating his options, he decided to spend his fall semester of junior year at Freie Universität, a high-ranking university founded at the beginning of the Cold War by anti-communist students and academics in West Berlin. Thomas had chosen a destination with a history of conflict, but also one of resurgence. Berlin is now a top European destination, and Thomas found the people to be very open to discussing their city’s troubled past.
Even with a very solid background in the German language, Thomas was still challenged by the speed at which the natives spoke. However, immersion, combined with the upper level German classes he took at Freie Uni, only helped him to further hone his skills.
In addition to German, Thomas took courses in Europe & the Global Economy and European Business Cultures. In the latter class, he was able to visit several German firms and discuss with executives such issues as their corporate response to globalization. This provided great real world experience that he was able to apply to business courses back home at Grove City.
One of the downsides of Thomas’ university experience was the lack of diversity in the student abroad program, many of whom were American. However, Thomas was able to connect with Europeans through other means, such as attending a German-speaking church. This was initially difficult to find, as Berliners are a people who focus more on the logical and less on the spiritual aspects of life. This, in combination with East Berlin’s history of repressive communism, has made the city spiritually dormant. However, when Thomas did finally find a body of believers, he was touched by the realization that the Truth transcends geography and culture.
Over the four months of his semester abroad, the avid traveler was able to visit fourteen European countries, journeying as far north as Norway and east as Turkey. When asked about his favorite destination, Thomas, who was born in Glasgow, had a hard time deciding whether Scotland or Norway topped the list.
In the former country, he had been able to reconnect with his roots, even having tea and shortbread with the minister who baptized him as a baby. Yet, in Norway, the Colorado native found a culture with an easier way of life, centered amidst a backdrop of gorgeous fjords and mountains. This was especially welcome to him after feeling somewhat stifled by the city life of Berlin.
Although Thomas was glad to return to his family and the wide and wild space of Colorado, he struggled to find people with whom to share the stories of his international experience. Additionally, after focusing for four months on his German language skills, he sometimes found difficulty expressing himself in English. However, despite the small challenges, the experience was life-changing. Thomas learned so much about himself, his faith and others. To students contemplating whether to study abroad, he advises: “Do it! You’ll find that the world is a smaller and friendlier place than you’d imagine. There’s an inexhaustible supply of cultural treasures and experiences out there waiting to widen your understanding of humanity.”
Following graduation, Thomas will begin a career at the Denver branch of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Because the corporation is global, it is not unusual for employees to be transferred for stints to PwC branches abroad. With Thomas’ skills in German, the likelihood is high that he’ll make it back to Europe yet again someday.
To learn more about Grove City’s study abroad program, visithere.
