Preparing to go to college can be daunting. But for a student with learning disabilities, thinking about all the projects, reading assignments, exams and finals can be completely overwhelming! I felt this way. I was diagnosed with dyslexia in third grade along with other learning disabilities that commonly accompany dyslexia. From elementary school through high school, I changed schools seven different times, all because my parents were trying to find the right place for my education as a student with dyslexia. I received some amazing help throughout my schooling, and I have even overcome some of the major hurdles dyslexia presents. However, I was nervous to be on my own at college to navigate completing assignments and understanding concepts in class. I was concerned that I would not be able to keep the academic success I was able to achieve in high school. Fortunately, in my senior year of high school, I became a dual enrollment student at Grove City College where I was able to meet and become familiar with the Disability Services on campus. Zach Brown, the director of Disability Services, was able to work with me to figure out what accommodations could best help my academic success. Some of these included extra time on exams, peer note-taking, and even permission to use a special recording pen that he recommended. I have utilized all of these, and they helped me tremendously.

I have access to all of these resources, and I know that they will help; however, this can only take you so far. I have been able to gain a lot of experience when it comes to completing assignments and studying for exams. I learned quickly that if you do not stay on top of things, you can make life really difficult, really fast. Here are some tips that I have learned as a student with learning disabilities to keep from becoming overwhelmed and help with learning the material instead of just trying to get it done.

1. Time management. As a student with learning disabilities, I can take longer than other students to get things like reading assignments done. That is why being careful about how you spend your time is important. Time management is a difficult but invaluable skill. It is easy to get distracted, (especially since I have ADD) but creating a plan for how you will get things done each day and sticking to it will help you in the short term so you do not have to stay up till two in the morning. Time management will also help you in the long run, by creating a valuable habit that will serve you your entire college career. I write out all of my assignments for the entire semester on a desk calendar so I can see what is coming. I then plan out what needs to be completed and when. This helps me to make wise choices and stay in control of my time.
2. Talk to your professors. I cannot stress this enough. The professors are amazing at Grove City College. They all desire to help each student achieve success and to learn well in their classes. All of my professors have been very accommodating when it comes to my learning disabilities. They want to help!

I have had a wonderful experience at Grove City College, I am in my fall semester of sophomore year and have achieved the Dean’s List academic excellence award for each semester I have completed so far. Do not be afraid to dive into learning amazing things!

• If you have any questions or would like to hear more about how I have navigated through college with learning disabilities, do not hesitate to email me. I would be happy to answer!
  • Daviden19@gcc.edu
• If you would like to learn more about Grove City College’s Disability Services, you can visit their page on Grove City College’s website: https://www.gcc.edu/Home/Experience-the-Grove/Campus-Life/Disability-Services or email them at DisabilityServices@gcc.edu.

Being a student at Grove City College is one of the things in my life that I take a lot of pride in. There are so many amazing things about the College that make it unique, from our founding principles and community to the professors that so faithfully work to promote truly educational experiences within the classroom. One of the great offerings that Grove City College provides is the opportunity for dual enrollment. High school students can take classes with the College, which helps students get ahead on college credits. I was fortunate enough to take advantage of this opportunity during my senior year of high school. Throughout the duration of my senior year, I was able to take four, three-credit courses as well as a one-credit lab. These classes ranged in topics from environmental science to a course specifically focused on the book of Romans. Before my first year of college, I was able to get some experience taking college-level courses and do a little bit of experimenting into what type of classes or majors I might be interested in. I was able to learn a lot about my study habits, and, after becoming familiar with new ones, it became clear to me what type of habits would  and would not work when it came to studying for exams and quizzes as well as working on projects.

One of the bigger reasons that I decided to do dual enrollment classes with Grove City College was to get ahead on credits so that I could potentially lighten my course load in the future if I needed it. I struggle with dyslexia as well as a few other accompanying learning disabilities which has made academics somewhat difficult. I work hard to achieve successful grades and learn the best that I can in all of my classes; however, I still struggle with those learning disabilities, and it affects my ability to work at the same pace as other students. With the credits I earned from being a dual enrollment student, I had built up a small cushion to fall back on for my first semester in case I felt like I could not maintain a typical course load.

Fast forward to my first couple weeks of class my freshman year where I utilized the cushion I had built up the year prior. As a student learning with dyslexia who was still trying to figure out what study habits worked best and what the rhythm of college life looked like, it was a huge help to be able to have a smaller course load my first semester. I was able to get settled into college life and figure out the best practices for learning without feeling like I would be behind.

I am now in my sophomore year at Grove City College, and I am currently double-majoring in Entrepreneurship and Biblical and Religious Studies and have a course load of six classes compared to my first semester freshman year I only had four. The only regret I have is that I didn’t start sooner. Dual enrollment is an amazing opportunity to get ahead on college credits as well as help create some familiarity with college-level courses. My favorite course that I took as a dual enrollment student was a course on the book of Romans taught by Dr. Bibza, and, because of that course, I made sure I took more classes taught specifically by him. I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to be a dual enrollment student. I highly encourage any high school student to take advantage of this amazing program.

Spring Is for…

Grove City College Campus is blooming, and with it, students are out and about looking for things to do. Not to worry, our campus has put together a beautiful array of events that fulfill the need for community while also being safe. All of our sports have been raring at the bit and every single field is being used.

Sporting Events

Since all of our Fall/Winter sports had to be put on hold because of COVID, all of the sports teams are competing in the spring. You want to watch a baseball game and a football game in the same week? Well, because of COVID, now you can!

It has been fun to watch our student body go all out to support our teams. Catch students attending baseball, softball, football, tennis, swimming, track, soccer, volleyball games. If you would like to play a sport (but not on a college-level, competitive team) feel free to check out the numerous IM teams we have. We even have a badminton and Quidditch team!

Chapels/ Vespers/ Warriors

Chapel, Vespers, and Warriors are all going strong! Chapel provides your weekly dose of fellowship in the Word while Vespers and Warriors are slightly smaller gatherings for those who seek more instruction. Vespers takes place every Sunday evening. Warriors is Thursday nights and Chapel runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I personally have attended Vespers over the past couple of years and found that it is a truly refreshing way to end the Sabbath day and focus your week.

Warriors is a set time to come pray for your fellow believers. Thursday is two-thirds through the week. Often you feel tired and worn down at this point. Warriors gives students a place to come and seek restoration.

Marriage Seminars

A small gathering of people started a group chat for those interested in attending seminars. Caroline Dudt, a student here, created the chat and has been organizing events for the students. She has gotten many different couples to come speak on Monday nights to those interested. And the interest has spread. The chat is at 127 members currently and still growing!

Theatre

Our college just put on three plays that they normally would not have considered doing since the cast is so small (three parts for each); however the theatre department was able to perform these plays because of COVID. Although COVID has restricted many things, Grove City College Campus refuses to be beaten down. Instead they have found ways to adapt and overcome. These three plays are an excellent example of this happening. Because students are required to social distance and maintain mask wearing, it is hard to put on a theatrical production since many people would be interacting in a closed space. COVID allowed the theatre department to explore plays that they normally would never have considered since the casting list was so small. 

College Sanctioned Events

Keep Calm and Finish Strong!

Virtual Event: Tips to Help Students Study for Finals. Happening 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 14.

Making the Most of Your Internship virtual event happening Thursday, April 15 at 4p.m.

 

…Being Busy Beavers

Although COVID put many many events on hold over the past year, Grove City College has not been beaten by it. In fact, it has emerged stronger than ever! We, as a campus, have been able to do things we never would have considered doing simply because there are restrictions and regulations that we are now following.

Those plays wrecked their audiences. 

Those sporting events have increased a sense of camaraderie.

This marriage seminar group chat has allowed people to attend a helpful and engaging seminar led by many wise people!

Spring has Sprung…

…and with it, warmer weather, birds returning from their long winter sabbaticals, flowers poking through the ground, and students looking for ways to engage with their friends in safe, fun, and most importantly free ways!

At this stage, COVID is still around so the Grove City College campus body wants to not only be safe and respectful to others but also wants to look for ways to enjoy the warmer weather. After a long winter slogging through snow, I’m here to tell you a bit about some of the things to do on and off campus that are safe and free!

I’ve grouped everything into three different categories: Play, Leisure, and Adventure.

Play:

Whether you are athletically inclined or you want to feel the burn these activities are for you.

• Go for a walk – Grab a friend and explore around Grove City. The streets are safe, and it is easy to feel a burn walking up and down those hills – OK, I’m from a plains state. We have no hills and the tiny ones here kill me!
• Stretch those legs – You can do this in a formal sense (like yoga) or you can just grab some friends, make a big circle and gently stretch those muscles. YouTubing stretches should give you enough to last you for awhile.
• Hiking – Like walking… but harder. If you have a car and want to make a long trip out of it there are some beautiful trails around the Pennsylvania area that are highly worth checking out. Personally, I find that Cooks Forest and McConnells Mill State Park are great places to hike.
• Games on the quad – These are already popular. Volleyball nets are set up on the back side of Lincoln Hall. Spike Ball and Frisbees are easy to come by. If you do not have friends with either, emailing your RA will be helpful since they can point you in the right direction. 
• Walk to the store – It’s only four miles round trip. I’ve done it before and there’s something so rewarding about hauling your groceries on your back. However, there is no sidewalk along part of the road so be careful and wear bright colors! It’s an excellent way to get some exercise and talk with a friend.
• Bike ride – If you would like to go faster and farther than a walk can get you, bring your bike! There are places to store your bike on campus and the country roads are just minutes away and provide hours of cycling.
• Run – Torture. But a leisurely jog with a friend can keep you accountable and get some exercise in.
• Water balloon fight/nerf gun fight (clean up needed) – Organizing a campus-wide water balloon fight sounds amazing! But be aware that there is a cost involved since you’d have to buy balloons and remember to clean up all the pieces!
• Yoga – A more organized approach to the whole stretching idea.
• Volunteer – Do some research. There are many organizations worth your time.

 

Leisure:

If you don’t want to torture yourself, consider some of these activities.

• Stargazing – Who doesn’t love lying on their back and looking up at the sky to be reminded of how small we are?
• Fire pit – You can reserve the fire pit for your smoky night ghost stories.
• Hammocking – Many good trees.
• Picnic – The most romantic date ever, or an excellent way to catch up with a platonic friend.
• Card games or board games outside – If you are into card games, why not try them outside! Just be aware of any wind!
• Tan – Catch some zzzz’s and some sun. Sunshine is important for your vitamin D.
• Study on Quad – Not as fun, but still nice.
• Talk – Don’t let that phone dictate your friendships!
• Get to know that roommate – Need some icebreakers? Look online! Getting a different roommate for next year? Now’s the time to get to know them!
• Bake in either Ketler Rec or Mary Anderson Pew South Rec (reserve lounge) – Missing those homemade brownies? Well, you can bake them here!
• Draw – Not only for if you are artsy. You can also try something you have never done before. Especially with a friend.
• Read – Read alone, read in a group, read out loud. So many options. 
• Make some cards or do some origami – Need a craft and some sun.
• Embroider/crochet/knit – Like the little old woman you are (all levels welcome).
• Take a nap:)
• Puzzles – 50 cent puzzles can be found many places like Salvation Army.
• Bubbles – Embrace that inner 4 year old.
• Journal/write letter to future you/grandchildren/ etc. – Super fun.

 

Adventure:

• Beach – There are some beautiful lakes nearby that have excellent beaches. Or if you are looking to make a weekend out of it, go on up to Erie, PA.
• Car ride – If you have a car and do not mind using gas, turn on some tunes, grab some friends and get lost on the road!
• Feel the breeze – Feel that wind on your face and breathe in the smells. Do not worry. You’ve got this.
• Library – Check out the public library or the school’s library for some amazing books!
• Go to the park – Everything you can do on the Quad, you can do at the park (except maybe computer work) It’s even within walking distance!
• Listen to a podcast together (GCC INSIDER has some good ones on Spotify! *hint hint nudge nudge*).
• Create a will or last 24hr playlist – If you are morbid or just want to shoot the breeze, draw up a will. Divide up things even if they have no monetary value. Who says you need monetary value?
• Photo Shoot – Pick some friends and work on posing and props.
• Time capsule – Bury some trinkets (not on campus) and come back for your 50 year reunion and dig it up.
• Geocaching – Before all you young folk started Pokémon Go, there was geocaching. Geocaching is done by looking for little capsules people have buried/hidden in different places. I’ve found capsules in books, trees, and even inside office buildings. A simple Google search will get you on your way.
• Blanket fort (outside?) – Why not? Might be hard but creativity is all that’s required.

So in conclusion…

Get out there and have some fun!

 

Listen to the Episode Here!

 

At Grove City College, liberal arts are regarded with the utmost of value concurrently with vocational excellence. Daniel Supplee, a current senior, my good friend, a Trustee Scholarship recipient, and a Computer Information Systems (“CIS”) major with minors in Cybersecurity and Business, wrote the following in response to my questions about his choice of major, the role of liberal arts in his education here at Grove City, and his perceived career preparedness.

“Just as tradesmen often pass down their trades to their sons, my father passed his ‘trade’ of programming down to me. Starting at age 8, I was given my first booklet on programming by my father and thus began my entrance into the world of computer science. Continuing through middle and high school, programming was a large part of my free time, and guided by my father I expanded my skillset and aptitude in the various fields of computer science. When it came to pick a college degree, however, I realized that I also had great interest in the many other subjects that I had been exposed to previously: history, economics, language, and music. The Computer Information Systems major gave me the flexibility to explore those topics while still maintaining my focus on computers. After four years of college, I am still a believer that the primary purpose of college is not only to train students in the technical skills of their majors, but to produce well-rounded adults with at least a comprehensive understanding of the world we live in. Adopting my major, while taking classes in Biblical Hebrew, Middle Eastern politics, law, and economics have helped me put my life and world into perspective, while still gaining proficiency in the intricacies of computer science, like application development, database management, and network systems. The capstone of my major, Senior Project, has helped pull together the majority of my technical skills in a creative manner, proving to myself that I can still keep up with the more focused Computer Science majors in addition to enjoying a Christian liberal arts education. It is a common view of students in my department that extra-curricular endeavors such as internships and personal projects make up a large portion of our technical education, and that deficiencies in our technical abilities will be made up when we go to work after school. Nevertheless, it is vital that the student graduates with employable skills in his or her field, and that the pursuit of the liberal arts be made in perspective of that fact.”

Listen to the Episode Here!

 

Listen to the Episode Here!

On this week’s episode of the Prospective Perspective, we are excited to introduce you to Hannah Elder, a senior Accounting major here at Grove City College. Hannah is involved in many different organizations on campus and serves in a variety of leadership roles in those groups. We sit down with Hannah to get to the truth on relationships at Grove City–both friendships and romantic. Hannah gives us a glimpse into her relationship and gives us the breakdown of what relationships look like on campus. She provides an honest take on the pros and cons of dating at Grove City College and shares some words of wisdom as to how to navigate dating at a Christian college. Hannah also walks through Grove City’s different college policies, rules, and norms associated with relationships.

Zach and I had such a wonderful time getting to learn about some of the hobbies Hannah has been able to develop while on campus: from wheel throwing and pottery to painting, art, and sewing. Hannah also explains why she, a Utah native who grew up going to public schools and was interested in math, decided to move across the county to study Biblical and Religious Studies and Accounting at a small Christian college.

I think you’ll be able to tell that we had so much fun getting to sit down and have this conversation with Hannah. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

What Is 48 Hour Prayer?

It is a time when the whole campus gets together to pray for the nations. We pray for specific ministries in the US and abroad, we pray for missionaries that our campus body knows, and we pray for the unreached people who do not even know about Christ. For 48 hours in the middle of the spring semester, our campus comes together to pray. People can sign up for specific times or come when they please. We have a room dedicated to this prayer vigil, but you are more than welcome to pray anywhere! We literally have people praying around the clock so that there is no time within that 48 hours that is left without prayer. The purpose is not to show how dedicated we are to prayer but instead to intentionally set aside time to pray for our brothers and sisters.

It is a really unique time of camaraderie on campus, and I have benefited so much from it before. Unfortunately, I was not able to go last year because I was studying abroad (and then the pandemic started) which is why I am so excited for this year! Not only do I benefit from time spent in intentional prayer, but those laboring for Jesus abroad need all the encouragement and prayers they can get!

What Does 48 Hour Prayer Look Like?

The campus ministry department puts together a beautiful room with different stations. These stations feature specific organizations that they either have connections with or know need intentional or specific prayers. These organizations can be anything: orphanages, schools, organizations working with developing countries or refugees to make a livelihood, safehouses for people rescued out of trafficking, and more. Other stations might feature missionaries that our campus body may know personally. All of these stations are set up differently. Each station allows the person to pray in a bit of a different way. Prayer can be accomplished in many different ways. It can be written out, spoken, shouted, written in sand and wiped away, etc. Sometimes holding an object in your hand while you pray helps you to visualize what you are praying about.

Each of these stations offers a different way to pray. At least, that is how it was set up the last time I went. It may be different this year but that’s the beauty of it. You do not have to have a specific way you pray and you do not have to try new things but sometimes it is nice to try out something new and different.

These stations are just a sounding board. If you know someone and want to pray for them. By all means, please do! The beauty is simply found in the campus coming together to pray for the nations.

Why Is This Important For You?

I hope prayer is important to you. Even if it is not, our school is founded on prayer. We long to become more like Christ in everything we do. As a Christian college our mission is to serve the Lord while we attain a higher education. 48 Hour Prayer simply reminds us why we are here. Yes we are here for our education, but we are also here to shine the light of the gospel for Christ. Many of us will graduate college and be taken on a wildly different journey in life than we could have ever imagined. Having a good foundation in the Lord is important. And intentional prayer is one facet of having that solid foundation.

This year I am looking forward to the 48 Hour Prayer, not only because it brings our campus together, but because it also allows our purpose here as a college to really step to the forefront. When we are united in Christ, nothing can stand in our way. Physically, life goes on outside of the 48 Hour Prayer. Classes are not canceled. We do not skip meals. BUT something so much more important is going on. We are waging war against the Enemy and his Evil Ones. This is not to say that we, as Christians, are not fighting every day of our lives, however, we are fighting in a collective, united front for 48 hours. When we intentionally stop to pray and intentionally pray for specific organizations and peoples it is much harder to be led astray.