Get to Know the Class of 2022

My experience at Fox was more impactful than I had expected it to be. I remember after my first semester, I asked my Mom if I could return home to Hawaiʻi because I wasn’t sure I was fitting in. I’ll always remember people like Jenny Elsey, Rebecca Hernandez, Megan Fisher and Jamie Noling-Auth, who encouraged me to stay and got me plugged into amazing groups on campus and introducing me to the Intercultural Resource Center. The IRC has since been a second home to me.

Since arriving I have grown in several areas. I have especially been transformed in my faith, and I feel like I have a better understanding of my own identity. My theology classes have helped me grow in my faith and discover my passion for serving and ministering to others. In terms of understanding my identity more, the IRC played a crucial role. It gave me opportunities to discover and learn more about my own culture, many other cultures, and how to fight for racial reconciliation in a Christlike way.

I will be attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for their Advanced Population Health Nursing master’s degree program in the fall! Through this course of study, I hope to do research on the impacts of varying cultural practices on health, especially for minority groups. I wish to incorporate skills from my ministry classes into this work so I can best serve these communities.

My experience has been good. I have enjoyed my time in the art department with amazing students and teachers. I will remember most the connections I made with fellow students and the kind ways in which teachers went out of their way to help me with projects and offer personal life advice.

I have changed in many ways during my time at Fox. My freshman year I would always give up sleep and mental health to get assignments in on time. As a senior, I adapted that into making better time choices so late nights didn’t happen as frequently. Also, my teachers were so gracious in caring about my mental health and teaching me how to better take care of myself.

I honestly have no idea where the future will lead. Home is in California, where my mom is, but opportunities for my major seem to be here in Portland. What’s next is continuous prayer and asking for help from peers and teachers on locations to apply for both housing and a full-time job. What I do know is that I will not be teaching.

I would describe my experience at George Fox as a growing experience. I got to encounter many points of view and people with backgrounds that differ from mine. I’ve learned how to stand up for myself and my beliefs as well as have civil conversations with others who disagree with me.

I think the things that I’ll remember most are the small things, as cliché as that sounds. The late-night Taco Bell and Dutch Bros runs, the coast trips, the deep conversations I’ve had with my friends in the senior art studios, etc. The list can go on.

I got to know professors on a deeper level, which is something I had not expected. One professor in particular, Tim Timmerman, had an especially big impact on me. He helped me grow artistically and mentally. He is a safe space for many students, and he helped me through a lot, even if he didn’t realize it. The art professors in general are wonderful people and are big inspirations to me. My experience with them is something I’ll never forget.

I’ve grown a lot since coming to George Fox, mostly when it comes to my art practice and my relationships. I’ve been able to create a portfolio and have a growing professional network, thanks to the art department. I’ve also been able to create long-term friendships with fellow students, as well as professors.

I was in a pretty dark place my freshman year. My dad had passed away that summer, and it had taken a big toll on me. I met some of my closest friends at Fox that year, and they helped me through a lot without knowing much about my story. I eventually told them about my past, and they made me feel heard and validated. They are still some of my best friends four years later, and I’ve never once felt judged by them. They are a gift, and they have influenced me in many ways.

I would like to spend a little bit of time back in Eastern Oregon with my mom and brother. Afterwards, I plan on finding a job in the art field, hopefully in the Portland area. George Fox has opened a lot of possibilities for me, and I’m excited to see what comes next.

My experience at George Fox has been entirely about the importance of words. Almost everything I’ve done in college has been reading or writing. As a member of the George Fox University Honors Program and as an English and history double major, I have had to read a lot. This has pushed me to be a more thoughtful, well-rounded person. The difference between a text when I read it alone versus when I engage with it in a seminar discussion will stay with me for my life. Reading in community has been such an important part of my university experience, and talking through ideas in a passionate group has changed the way I think about texts, history and my peers. I'm leaving George Fox a better reader and a better appreciator of words.

I think being at George Fox has made me become a less combative, more open-minded person. In the honors program I was thrown off by how poorly received some of my ideas were. Being in college made me realize not everyone thinks like me and not everyone wants to. Instead of letting that discourage me to the point of abandoning my personal convictions, I’ve developed a more mature understanding of what I believe and have become stronger in my convictions. At the same time, I have grown to be able to brush off opposition more easily and more quietly. Learning to be more quiet and reserved has been a lesson that produces more fruitful relationships and fosters friendliness where there might not have been before.

I hope to move somewhere and ideally continue working in public history. I currently work at the Hoover-Minthorn House Museum in Newberg, and the position I have there has given me the experience I need to hopefully move up in the museum world. I am open to moving just about anywhere in the country, which is an exciting position to be in. Wherever I go I am excited by the prospect of plugging into a new church community and continuing to foster new relationships with fellow Christians and others.

My experience at George Fox has been everything I dreamt it would be and more. It came with many ups and many downs, but through my deepest struggles and my greatest joys and accomplishments the community here surrounded me and supported me in so many ways.

I will remember the professors who were patient, encouraging and compassionate with me, and saw success in my future even when it got too difficult for me to see myself. I will remember the on-campus pastors who prayed for me and supported me through every moment life brought. And I will remember the friendships and memories I have made throughout the years.

Between professors, faculty and the friendships I have made, every single one has showed me what it is to be known as a person and a student and what it is to be truly cared for.

I started as a timid, quiet and reserved freshman, and after five years here I am about to graduate as an assertive, outgoing and mature 23-year-old. I have changed emotionally, spiritually and mentally over the last five years, and it wasn’t over one but instead many moments accumulated over the years that have shaped me into who I am today.

One moment in particular was going to my advisor and my professor during my third year and letting them know what was going on in my personal life that was affecting my academics. Letting them know that I was struggling. The year prior, I was battling many things that were affecting my academics as well, but I was too afraid to ask for help and too timid to let anyone know that I needed some guidance during a tough time.

A year later, I found the strength to let go of trying to do it all on my own and seek people that made me feel known. They sat with me to figure out a game plan and help me. It reminded me that it is OK to ask for help, and there will always be someone to do so within the community on campus.

I saw myself grow more and more after that because it reminded me that success is done when you let people help you instead of trying to figure it out on your own. I would not have made it this far and achieved what I have if it wasn’t for me growing in that aspect.

I plan to take a year off, focusing on work experience, and then apply to occupational therapy graduate programs. My goal is to gain experience, study for the graduate exam, and be mentally ready for graduate school. I hope to specialize in hand therapy or pediatrics.

I am so thankful that I decided to enroll in George Fox's Adult Degree Program. The small cohort size and the attentiveness of the professors is just what I needed. There are many things that I will remember about my experience, but getting to move through the program with the same group of peers and professors has been my favorite part. Even though we all come from different walks of life, I often found myself looking forward to the few hours I got to spend with them in the classroom, laughing and learning together.

The professors at George Fox are some of the most dedicated educators I have worked with. They all created a rigorous, yet highly supportive, learning environment. I can graduate feeling prepared and excited to jump into the world of teaching, thanks to my experience at George Fox.

One of my biggest growing points was learning to ask for help. In previous college courses I avoided asking for help, but the professors at George Fox make it so easy to get help and are always so welcoming to questions!

Another turning point during my time here was figuring out how to balance work load and my outside life. In the beginning, I only focused on getting my schoolwork done; this was hard because I felt like I did not have time for other things. Once I figured out how to manage my time a little more evenly, I felt I could enjoy my experience at George Fox even more!

That is a really good question! There are a lot of different things that I want to do; it is challenging to figure out what is first. I plan to work at a school in Bend for a few years and then hop on a plane to teach abroad.

I transferred to George Fox in 2020, which was a hard year to try to create a community. But I am grateful for the few who reached out to me and invited me into their spaces when everyone was encouraged to distance themselves from outsiders. These people made all the difference to step into new communities and develop new friendships.

I expected to have a bigger community and more friendships, but I have realized that is not what I needed. I’ve learned that often you don’t need an abundance of resources to live an abundant life. You just need enough. So thank you to everyone who has been a roommate, friend, classmate, professor and stranger. Thank you for being a part of my life for the past two years. I always had enough, and that has given me the opportunity to live abundantly in every gift of the spirit.

My first year here was my junior year. I took 18 credits, worked 10 hours a week and juggled some difficult situations during that time as well. I remember going for a walk after the first week of classes and realizing I would be crushed by the amount of work I had. This scared me. So, in prayer, I decided to take a Sabbath day, so on Sunday I put away all my school work. I made sure I didn’t even see my homework on Sundays. This seems counterintuitive, but this guidance honestly saved my school work, social life and mental health.

I have grown in my ability to set boundaries to spend time with God, care for myself and care for others. I’ve made space to rest even when it felt like I didn't have time, and I made an effort to continue doing what I love, like going for walks or reading a good book. I’ve realized I have a lot more steel in me than I first thought.

While I am looking forward to grad school eventually, I am really excited to get to work! But first I need a break, so I’m going to spend all of May either hanging out with my family or visiting with friends to see various large rocks, deserts, mountains and maybe even a moose!

But as far as work goes, I am looking forward to what studying social work has prepared me to do. I came into social work to learn how to care for and love people better. I feel like this program has given me the knowledge and resources I need to care for people well professionally.

My experience at George Fox gave me the chance to work on tons of hands-on projects. I worked with tons of people and have become confident in my editing and sound design skills.

I’ve grown in my ability to work independently on projects. If I don’t know something, I know how to teach myself that skill.

I’m hoping I can get a job doing freelance work or hired onto a studio to do editing. I’ve worked with esports and love video games, so I’d love to make game trailers eventually.

My experience at Fox was grounding. As I reflect on the myriad of spaces that Fox has invited me into, they all maintain a level of fertile soil that has helped deepen my roots in the Lord. Even though many of my favorite memories were spent doing anything but being still (like climbing rocks and rafting down rapids), the rootedness that Fox has provided me in the moments of stillness will leave a lasting imprint on my life. As my roots have been deepened, I have been grounded in who I was created to be.

I am no longer afraid of uncomfortable spaces and difficult questions. Out of all of the things I’ve learned and held onto during my time at Fox, the biggest point of distinction is the reality that discomfort produces such beautiful growth. Many of my professors and peers have invited me to sit in difficult questions – not handing out answers but providing space for the tensions to guide us toward response. As I would have used to shy away from these “gray” spaces, I am now able to acknowledge their necessity. This growth has been such a gift, as it has guided me deeper into trust.

While I’m unsure exactly what I will be doing, I am pursuing opportunities to lean into my passions for community development either in an outdoor or inner-city setting. In the future I hope this will guide me back to academics for a seminary degree, but for now I look forward to learning outside of a classroom!

My experience at George Fox was exactly what I wanted it to be, and I think that’s what makes this school great. Here you will be able to find any group that you want to be a part of. I was able to find a great community in the track team. I found lifelong friends and had such memorable experiences with them.

Along with that, the biology and chemistry professors have also been very helpful with my education. They helped personalize my learning and were always available outside of class if I needed them. I learned throughout my time here that you get out what you put in. If you put in lots of energy you are much more likely to have a positive experience. School is important, of course, but there is much more to life than classes. I learned how to surround myself with great people who helped me grow in my faith.

Since coming to George Fox I gained lots of life experience, as well as confidence in myself. I came here as a freshman not really knowing where I was headed, and over time I figured out my next steps. I feel like a much more well-rounded individual since going to school here.

I don’t think there was a certain point when I changed; it was a very gradual thing. But if I look at myself four years ago and compare it to who I am now, there is a breadth of difference. I’ve been on lots of trips since I’ve been here, and also met so many amazing people. I wouldn’t trade my time here for anything.

I will be spending two months this summer backpacking around Europe. I think it’s very important to have these types of life experiences while you still have the chance to do so. After that I will be going to graduate school and working on a master’s degree in healthcare administration or public health. I am applying to lots of programs now and will find out soon which one I will be attending.

I am also applying to jobs in healthcare at the moment and am planning on working at the same time I finish my masters. Through doing this I hope to find a career I love, and always be able to make a difference in the lives of the people around me.

I came into Fox knowing that I loved Jesus and wanted to work for the church. I leave Fox knowing those same things, but the journey to truly understanding what it means to love Jesus and be surrendered into vocational ministry has been far more complicated and much deeper than I could have ever anticipated.

As a biblical studies major and a student in the honors program, my faith in Scripture, in God’s goodness, and in the reality of the Kingdom have been challenged in more ways than I can count. This is the first place I recognized that my identity doesn’t come from my academic success. I don't have to work to prove my worth to anyone, and I am not defined by what I’m doing, but who I’m doing it for. I leave Fox recognizing that, through the challenges of theology and biblical criticism, the simplicity of the gospel does not disappear.

My junior year I didn't know if I could ever find a church community that “made sense” to me in light of my foray into the depths of biblical studies. The Lord humbled me a lot in that season. My dear friend Lexi works for the church I now attend, and she showed me how to hold the tension of intense study with the simplicity of God’s Word, God’s love for his children, and the timeless truth of Scripture. I’ve learned that I don't have to throw out one to have the other!

I’ve also learned that my identity is as a daughter, and, more than that, anytime I participate in something I’m passionate about in traditional church ministry or in the classroom, I’m a daughter on display. I’m to tell people how the love of the Father has changed my life, the power of the Son has called me into knowing his Kingdom is my reality now, and the Spirit moves, guides and protects my mind and heart.

I’ve learned that submission to the King isn’t scary; it’s admitting that who he’s designed me to be is better than I could be when I’m following my own heart. I’ll remember the times I’ve felt the heavy presence of the Holy Spirit in class when I’ve had the chance to speak the truth of the gospel and its freedom instead of the confusion of the world. I’ll remember the intense and exciting debates about theology. But most importantly’ I’ll remember that George Fox was the place where I learned to hear God’s voice, where my friends and I loved Jesus together, and where I had the chance to love him with all my mind, heart, soul and strength.

I remember standing in my dorm my freshman spring semester and talking to my dad on the phone. I was confused and frustrated. I didn’t know how to read the Bible without analyzing it anymore, and I didn’t know if I wanted to work in the church, or if I could even trust a professor or pastor to know the truth. It seemed like there wasn’t any real capital-T “Truth” to be had. And in that moment my dad met me and reminded me that God is Father before he’s a school subject. That theology only matters so far as you have relationship with Jesus. That’s something that a lot of my mentors and people I deeply respect have reminded me: You can’t do theology well if you don't have relationship.

I was puffed up with knowledge and running on pride my first two years at Fox. I was hyper-critical, insecure and confused. My junior year my church community introduced me – for what felt like the first time – to the truth of the gospel. The book of Hebrews became foundational in my understanding of my identity. Until this point, I measured my worth to others and to the world through my academic achievement, my failed athletic career, and my role as a leader in the church. None of these things were comforting. I was afraid of every authority figure I respected. I was waiting for people to realize that I’m not good at what I do, that I’m too young, that I can’t be taken seriously. I was scared that the passions I had for Scripture, for teaching it, and for counseling others, were all worthless.

Hebrews 10:12-18 talks about the change in how God sees us because of Jesus’ sacrifice. The final verse says, “And where these have been forgiven [sins], sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.” In that moment I knew so clearly that my lifestyle, my performance mentality, and how I viewed my value to others and to God invalidated the work of Jesus on the cross. I thought I still had to validate, justify and prove myself, when really, it was done for me. It was the beginning of recognizing that I can do the things I’m passionate about knowing that God is behind me. He loves me enough to want the best for me, and to want me to succeed. But my metric for success has to change, to be conformed to the heart of my Father. The tension between my academic study and my church experience has created this firm understanding of God’s love for me and work in me. I wouldn’t be who I am now or have the confidence and clarity in my path forward without that tension, and without Fox.

In the next year I’ll be living in Newberg, serving with young adults ministry at my church, and taking a gap year. I hope to pursue a master’s degree in pastoral counseling and eventually other work in spiritual formation and direction. I’ll be interning for Portland Seminary and working in local businesses in Newberg. I hope to keep pouring into my community, loving the people of Newberg. I’ll keep watching God set people free with the truth of his gospel, and I can’t wait to be part of it!

My experience at Fox showed me the importance of community and having people who want to see you succeed. I made a lot of friends during my time here. One common thread is how our relationship is built around support and fellowship.

My professors took an active interest in making sure I succeed and thrive. From spending afternoons talking and playing games, to professional advice, they helped me through the last four years. I don’t think I would be the person I am today without the friends and mentors I had along the way.

Up until my sophomore year, I was kind of floating through life. I had goals and a plan, but everything seemed too far away to take action. I struggled to keep motivated in my studies. Luckily, I was invited to help my professor with a research project during the summer of 2020 that changed my path. Helping him with the research let me see the impact of my education, not only on how I view the world, but also what I am capable of. During that time I learned so much about my purpose. I grew more confident and felt like I was finally moving forward toward my goals.

I will be starting my new job as a structural engineer at Eclipse Engineering in Portland. I am very excited by this opportunity and look forward to continuing to learn even into my adult life. I will also be getting married in the fall to my fiancé and starting our life together, which I am even more excited about. God has been so good to me, and I can't wait for the next chapter.

Formative, to say the least. I can’t believe it’s already been four years, but at the same time I can’t believe it’s only been four years. I wish I could remember everything. I’ll always remember how my professors cared for me and affirmed me in ways I didn’t know I needed. I was taking a difficult philosophy class as an elective because I wanted to take it with my friends, and I was really struggling with the first paper. I met with my professor about it, and after rambling on about why I was stressed about the paper for 20 minutes, my professor looked me in the eye and told me, “You know, you’re more than smart enough to be in this class.” It’s not what I expected to hear, but it’s exactly what I needed to hear. I’ll forever be grateful for that experience and for all the other ways in which my favorite professors have seen me and cared for me.

The relationships I’ve built here will also stay with me for the rest of my life. From the pandemic to the death of a dearly loved professor, I’ve grieved and grown with these people in ways I never could have imagined. I learned how to love well and be loved in return.

It’s impossible to describe all the ways I’ve changed since beginning my experience at George Fox. As a peer advisor for the freshmen honors students this year, I had the opportunity to come face-to-face with people experiencing the exact same fears and insecurities that I was going through four years ago. “I don’t know if I have what it takes,” one of them told me by a campfire one night. “You do,” I told her, “I promise.”

Looking their fear in the face, I realized how far I had come. As a freshman, I was terrified that I was an imposter – that I wasn’t smart enough, mature enough, good enough, et cetera. George Fox gave me the space I needed to grow into myself and become confident in the person I am today.

I’ll be leaving the country for the first time to travel through Germany, Austria and Italy. After that, I’ll be returning to Newberg to work in content writing for a year before I head to law school!

What I’ll remember most about George Fox is the community. The engineering faculty I had classes with with were top-notch, and all knew me by name. They pushed me to find the peak of my performance as a student and helped me learn how to learn more efficiently.

The engineering students and commuters are very friendly and outgoing, and I made a number of good friends among them. These friends helped me through tough times and were sources of laughter when I needed it most. I’m definitely excited to be graduating, but I will definitely miss the community I’ll be leaving.

In the fall semester of 2021, I got baptized in my statistics class. We made concrete canoes and floated them in a large tub to find correlations between design parameters and performance. Our professor, Pete Rusaw, offered to baptize anyone who would want to be baptized, and God put it heavily on my heart to do so, and so despite being fully dressed for work later that afternoon, I got baptized.

Since then, God has worked a number of changes in my life, showing me things I need to change and do better on. Though some of those things started before I got baptized, this definitely was a key point in the process, and helped me grow closer to God.

I’m going to be staying in Newberg, working remotely for HP in Corvallis. By God’s grace I’ve made it through my degree at Fox debt free, so instead of paying off student loans, I’ll be saving for a down payment on a house!

As I began my undergraduate journey at George Fox, I was leery of the Be Known promise. Although its lofty and admirable emphasis and goals were proudly displayed across campus, integrated into chapel speeches, and mused upon during LIBA 100, I was skeptical of its accuracy and validity. How could I ever be truly known, just one among many?

Four years and hundreds of lectures, office hours and advising sessions later, however, I can wholeheartedly attest to the truth and fulfillment of the Be Known promise throughout each step of my undergraduate journey. One of my greatest fears in attending college was becoming lost in the crowd, being an insignificant number on a spreadsheet, and appearing as just another name on a class roster. My experience at George Fox, however, could not have been more drastically different.

From my outstanding professors who know and call me by name, inquire after how they can support and pray for me, and spend countless hours offering additional instruction, to my incredible coaches who spurred me toward excellence, supported my academic and professional journey, and deeply invested in my spiritual growth, my time at George Fox gifted me with a life-giving community, an invaluable system of support, and a home in which to blossom, strive and grow.

One of the most poignant lessons I learned through my time at George Fox is that failure is not the absence of success but the absence of growth. Objective failure is inevitable; it is an integral aspect of the complex journey that characterizes our lives. From academics to athletics to the professional realm, perfection is not only elusive, it is unattainable. Therefore, we all must face failure in one capacity or another.

Throughout my journey at George Fox and its many associated failings, however, I have come to recognize that the only true failure in life is the failure to learn from one’s mistakes. True failure is not the process of falling down but the conscious decision to remain down and the refusal to boldly continue forward. Through the constant support, encouragement and guidance of my professors, coaches and parents, I have learned that failure is life’s greatest mentor and blessing because it is through failure that we experience life-changing opportunities for growth, investment and deepening community.

The next phase of my journey is graduate school! I am beyond blessed to share that I will be attending Idaho State University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program in Meridian, Idaho, beginning in August. Although the road before me is daunting, I am eager to embark on this new challenge and continue to grow as a student, healthcare professional and servant of Jesus Christ.

After 24 months of grueling studies and clinical rotations, I will hopefully complete my PANCE certification and begin my career as a licensed physician assistant. My ultimate goal is to utilize my future career and healthcare knowledge to serve medically disadvantaged communities through partnering with medical missions programs, free medical care clinics, and health service organizations. I also hope to one day specialize within my career field, pursuing advanced certification within obstetrics and working within women’s care and crisis pregnancy clinics.

Although the path that stretches before me is uncertain, I am confident that my graduate studies and future career within medicine will draw me closer to Christ as I rely heavily upon him for strength and continue to marvel at the indescribably complex world he has created!

My experience at George Fox has been amazing. The word I would use to describe my time here is “relationship.” One of the main reasons I came to Fox was because of the Be Known promise that I had already experienced as a prospective student. This promise has rung true for me in the countless conversations that I had with peers and professors who all care about me and allowed me to care about them. The relationships and friendships I have been able to build as a result of this desire shared by so many have truly shaped me and made my experience incredible.

I think I have grown immensely during my time at Fox, but one area, in particular, is my confidence. My classes, peers and professors all challenged me in different aspects of my character and pushed me to lean on God. Because of their unique challenges, I feel confident that God is continually in control of my life and is always molding me into who he wants me to be. This understanding of who God is, and who I am in him, has helped my confidence grow greatly.

I plan to stay in the Newberg area while beginning a career with Andersen Construction as a project engineer in Portland. I’m very excited to be on the job site every day and hope to continually learn more about how to excel at where God has placed me. Far more exciting, though, is later in the summer when I get to marry my best friend, Hailie Bishop.

George Fox has been a great place for me to grow personally and academically. In the classroom, the small classes allowed me to get to know all of my classmates very well and become very close to my peers. In addition, these class sizes allowed me to work with my professors on topics I struggle with.

I will remember my time on the soccer team the most, as it was a home away from home. Coming from Montana, I didn’t know anybody before I came to school, but I showed up and had a family right away. Athletics provided me a place where I felt I still had an outlet during the most difficult parts of the semester.

The biggest way I changed since coming to George Fox was that I realized I need to ask for help. I had always been a student and person who just powered through tough situations and figured it out. When spring semester of my sophomore year came around I began to struggle with online learning. I finally reached out to my professors and peers and worked through the content. Ever since that semester it has been much easier for me to seek help when I come to an obstacle.

I will be attending UC Davis in the fall to obtain a master’s degree in environmental engineering. I am excited to see what life is like in California and expand my knowledge. The program will only take one additional year of school. I hope to use this degree to work as an engineering consultant working to improve water access and quality, both here in the U.S. and in the developing world.

Incredible. That is the first word that comes to my mind when I think about my experience here. I wish that I could turn around and give my 17-year-old self a high five because she knew what she was doing. The growth that I have seen in myself is like no other, and the people that I had the privilege to meet and call my friends is the biggest blessing that God could have given me. With them, I have traveled from across the U.S. to Spain, watched more movies than we probably should have, and spent almost every weekend at a coffee shop for a study date.

Everyone I have met has been there for me through the hardships and successes, including professors, staff, coaches and those who barely even know me. The love and care that I experienced here at Fox is like none other, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a Bruin.

I have certainly grown since coming to Fox. I think that I would have grown wherever I ended up going, however I don’t think it would to be to the same extent. The biggest change that I recall is the one that I frequently think about. As a kid and throughout high school, I only thought of myself as a soccer player. I felt that I always had to do my best, never fail, and if I did, I would get back up and try harder. I put all of my worth into the game.

However, it was nothing bad at all, putting my identity into soccer. It gave me many of the qualities I have, and I am very glad for that. However, when I got to Fox, one of my teammates made me realize that I am more than just soccer; soccer is just something that I do to express my love of God. I am more. My worth isn’t determined by my performance in each and every game. My worth is determined by how I handle my performance, my failures, my successes, and how I treat others. My teammate has made me realize how much more I am than just a player.

I plan to become a physician assistant. I always thought that I was going to be a physical therapist or athletic trainer, but when I was exposed to the possibility of a PA, I knew it was for me. I plan to apply to the PA program here at Fox either for their next cohort (class of 2024) or for the class of 2025. In the meantime, to help me prepare for the rigors of graduate school and career, I am going to gain some medical experience back in my hometown!

My experience at George Fox has been wonderful, surprising, challenging and filled with growth and learning. Although my entire time at Fox has been filled with uncertainty (i.e., a freaking worldwide pandemic), there have been several constants that have kept me grounded. First, I have constantly had support from my friends and family, which has fueled me to always put my best foot forward and make my people proud.

Secondly, I have constantly been inspired by my professors, who allowed me to grow academically and discover new passions. Lastly, I have constantly felt the Lord’s guidance throughout my academic journey, which has reminded me daily of my reasons for choosing nursing and George Fox.

I am going to mostly remember my nursing professors and the positive example they have set for me. Aside from the technical aspects and skills of nursing, my professors have taught me what it means to provide holistic, compassionate care for all people.

A big shift occurred for me fall semester of junior year. Prior to that, I was obsessed with getting all my tasks done and was antsy to move through school and eventually graduate. This caused me to lose sight of the process and why I wanted to do nursing in the first place. The turning point occurred when I was finally able to attend clinical in the hospital. I loved every single second of my clinical shift and felt deeply impacted when I was able to connect with and care for my patients.

Overall, I was reminded that the educational journey is a process that I need to fully take in and appreciate. Ever since this shift, I have been slowing down and enjoying the process as opposed to simply rushing to the next stage in school. This has made me discover more delight in my classes, clinical and extracurriculars. I put more time and energy into feeling as opposed to doing. I want to continue to make the most out of each day I am given in order to live in the moment and actually enjoy my life!

Although it is bittersweet ending my college journey, I am super excited to start the next stage in my life. I accepted my dream job as a nurse at Salem Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. I feel incredibly passionate about this type of work and am grateful for the opportunity to use my gifts to serve the most medically fragile and vulnerable. I cannot wait to get started and spread God’s love in the town I call home!

Fox brought me some of the best friends I’ve ever had and helped me find what I am truly passionate about. I know that the community I’ve found here will come alongside me wherever life takes me and that the relationships built with my professors will always have an impact on how I live my life.

My life really changed when I took my first art history course. It was then that I realized exactly what career I wanted to pursue.

Within the next year I will start grad school, get married, and hopefully visit my fiancé’s family in New Delhi.

My time at George Fox has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have met many amazing people who have supported me and challenged me to set a high standard for myself. I remember many nights spent at campus events or messing around in the dorms. The most impactful people for me were my chemistry/biochemistry department professors. Their doors were always open whenever I had homework or life questions to discuss.

George Fox gave me the opportunity to excel in all aspects of my life. Outside of the classroom, I competed on the track team for four years. Both my professors and coaches were super supportive and accommodating of whatever I had going on.

One of the ways I’ve changed since coming to Fox it is that I developed confidence in my own abilities. When I first started, I didn't really know how to study material or have an idea of how much I could handle. My class load was the heaviest during my sophomore year, and something needed to change. After working with my professors, I gained discipline for studying and realized that I can handle a lot more than I previously imagined. Since then, I have continued to improve my work ethic and succeed in classes.

I plan to attend a chemistry graduate program to earn my PhD in chemistry. Before coming to Fox I would have never thought this was possible, but now my opportunities are endless. My goal is to become a project manager at a large chemical company working toward chemical breakthroughs that can improve people’s lives worldwide.

I love and have been so loved by my professors here in and outside of my major. I have felt nurtured and treated like an individual, and that has allowed me to feel safe to come to them with big questions about my career and life. Whenever I have felt overwhelmed or concerned about something, they have met me at my level and have helped compromise so I can flourish in the best way that I can.

I have also made timeless friends at Fox through living in the dorms and through classes. One of the biggest concerns in moving to a new place is whether or not you’ll fit in or “find your people.” I was blessed with an incredible roommate my freshman year, and today we are working on a commission together, amongst other incredible art students and best friends, for the new university chapel.

Right out of high school I was left high and dry by most of my friends there. Coming into Fox I felt vulnerable as well as a little close-minded to most things. Through my many experiences at Fox and the love and care others had for me, I have learned how to love better: myself and others. I feel so incredibly blessed by God, who has gently stretched me and helped me grow to be a better person, and I look forward to seeing how he continues to do that.

I have also been so encouraged on how to continue toward independence in my career. Through classes teaching me about contracts and artist applications, as well as being made studio manager of the campus print shop, I feel more encouraged to take on the world and confident that I am capable of handling my next big job.

Next steps for me currently look like applying to jobs, going to conventions and networking as much as I can. I have made so many wonderful connections with professional artists while here, and I look forward to meeting with them again. In time, I aim to become a storyboard artist for animation.

Outside of my career, I am currently planning my wedding for October to Graeson Roll. We plan to stay in Oregon, encouraging each other in life, faith and our artistic careers.

I’ve had the amazing opportunity to attend Fox for my masters program, and it has just been life-giving. I am blessed beyond words for the people I met while attending this school and what they poured into me. I will remember most my volleyball and tennis memories, especially the six 2021 graduates that I got to lead within the volleyball program.

I also had some amazing roommates, classmates and just friends in general, which is such an answered prayer. I had some impactful and encouraging coaches and professors who believed in me and reminded me every day that the purpose I had was from the Lord. I learned about the importance of a community and how that can truly uplift you in any stage of life.

Besides a big turning point of switching majors freshman year, I had another epiphany at the end of my sophomore year. I remembering turning 20 in the middle of finals week in April and just having this moment where I knew that my life was going to keep moving forward whether I was ready or not. So I might as well be ready!

I spent so much time in the Word that following summer and just allowed myself to “grow up” almost, not in a dreaded way but in an excited-that-life-was-starting-to-change way. I’m so thankful for all the people who helped build me up and shape me to be the teammate, teacher, friend and just woman of God that I am today!

I am about halfway through grad school, with plans to graduate with an MEd in December! I hope to get a full-time teaching position for this upcoming school year so I can have my own classroom. I have many weddings to attend in this summer and the following, and I hope just more celebration of life to come!

I would describe my time at George Fox as bittersweetly beautiful. The bittersweetness comes from the growing pains I experienced during my four years here. The beauty comes from the realization that these growing pains are not only OK, but they also help me become a better person – a person who is learning to see God in all things, not just the good ones. I learned that it is best to take life one day at a time and stay in the present moment. This helped me keep perspective whenever life seemed overwhelming, and I will carry this lesson with me as I begin a new adventure.

There are many things I will remember, such as laughing with friends in dorm lobbies, late nights studying in the library, and walking across the bridge in the morning when the sun is shining through the trees. Breathing in the fresh air while taking in the gorgeous scenery is something I will miss for the rest of my life. I will certainly miss our stunning campus, but I will miss the people even more.

There are multiple professors who have had a profound impact on me. Dr. Kerry Irish helped instill in me a deep love for American history. Professor David Martinez showed me that it’s OK to make mistakes, as long as you keep trying and keep a sense of humor while doing so. :) Professor Paul Otto helped me realize that I have the potential to make a real change in this world as long as I stay true to my convictions. I am eternally grateful for the guidance and support I have received while being a part of this community.

I believe that now as a second-semester senior I am much more sure of myself, and I acknowledge my mistakes as a part of the master plan. Last fall, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain. Everything felt unfamiliar in the beginning, and there were plenty of mistakes. With time, I came to understand that I needed to stay true to myself no matter what, mess-ups and all. I can’t hide who I am, nor can I hide the experiences, like studying abroad, that are now a part of me. I would say my time abroad was a turning point for me and developing my confidence. That being said, my time at Fox came with opportunities for growth I will never take for granted.

There is a quote by Steven Pressfield which states, “Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.” I think this quote describes my transformation well, because there were many times when my soul wanted to “resist” whatever trial it was up against. These moments happened especially when I felt weak, tired and incapable. The interesting thing is that suffering and growing go hand in hand. Looking back through my time at Fox, I see that I have always had the tenacity to overcome hardship. I just needed to believe it.

I am incredibly excited to begin grad school this summer at the University of Oregon. I will be a part of their educational policy and leadership program. While I am not totally sure what I want to do for a career, I know that as long as Jesus is with me, I will be where I am meant to be. This brings immense peace – peace that goes beyond this world and beyond my understanding. The future is bright!

These past four years have been life-changing in both the best and worst ways. During my time at Fox I hit my highest peaks of accomplishment and self-actualization, but only after recovering from my deepest trough. Real life doesn't slow down when you’re in college; you still have family issues, friendships to maintain, hobbies to invest in, health issues, etc.

What I will remember most, though, is that I wasn't abandoned in those moments of need. The community at Fox is centered around Christlike love, care and attention. To Be Known and to be seen are foundational, and the members of this community, my professors and peers, have not let me down.

My biggest revelation came my spring semester of junior year. In the midst of our most difficult classes, clinicals and working four jobs, I found an eerie sense of stillness. It was during this time that I was challenged to reprioritize my life to accommodate all the events that had brought me to that moment. I discovered through a brutal trial by fire that I cannot control what people will do or say, but I can take full ownership of how I respond.

It was during this time that I finally learned how to advocate for myself; I found my voice. In that moment I found peace. I am proud to say that overcoming these obstacles and setbacks have equipped me to be a stronger, wiser and more confident man.

I am hoping to secure a graduate nurse residency position in Idaho. This experience will equip me with the tools and work experience necessary to begin thinking more seriously about graduate school. I am currently most interested in becoming a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist). I remain open to God's calling and will strive to remain faithful in my walk.

Four years goes by quicker than I thought. I am grateful for the opportunities I had throughout my time living on and off campus, and will miss the daily walks across the bridge over the canyon. My freshman and sophomore years were incredibly influential for me, not only in building relationships with my peers, but finding my own way of growing spiritually. One of the greatest things about going to Fox was having Christ-centered teaching. Professors would always pray for us before classes and exams, and it always recentered me, allowing me to focus.

All of the nursing professors are so supportive, and when we all got sent home in the spring of 2020, they sent out daily encouragements, and Stephanie Matthew wrote us many songs and shared devotions to keep our heads up throughout the rest of the term with online learning. Although my time here consisted of long hours in the library and labs, I had so many great opportunities to build friendships and have fun.

When you are almost to a state of delirium, late-night breakfast was always a stress reliever as finals week approached. When you entered the Bon, music was blasting and everyone was in a good mood because who doesn't love waffles and bacon at midnight? Who else would you want to accomplish a perfect record of 0-10 than with your best friends in intramural volleyball?

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that life is too short, and if there is an opportunity, you need to take it. The pandemic really showed me how fast things disappear and how quickly time flies. Fox has so many ways to get involved; it would be foolish not to take advantage of them.

I have grown significantly during my time at Fox, in my academics, relationships and professionally. I came into college knowing that I wanted to be a nurse. I had no idea what was in store for me yet, but I continued to work toward obtaining my BSN. Throughout the last four years I grew a passion for nursing and I came to recognize my goal as a vocation. Finally, when I had completed my senior capstone clinical rotation on a maternity unit, everything fell into place as I discovered my calling as a nurse.

Throughout the nursing program we are taught how to incorporate faith into our work and how to serve our patients as imitators of Christ. This not only helped to shape how I will approach nursing, but it has also shaped my relationship with God, and I’ve invited him to walk this new journey and career with me.

I plan to take the NCLEX and become a registered nurse and stay in the Portland area to work at a local hospital. I am eager to begin my calling as a maternity nurse by serving patients during one of the most influential times of their lives. I am passionate about having the opportunity to witness God’s greatest miracle by helping families meet their new bundle of joy.

My experience at Fox was life-changing to say the least. I will always remember the close relationships that celebrated accomplishments with me and also comforted me during the hardest times. I have learned that building healthy connections with people is something that I am passionate about and will continue pursuing for the rest of my life. This passion wouldn’t have been discovered if it were not for my closest friends, staff and faculty who have closely walked alongside me and mentored me to become the best version of myself that I could possibly be. I learned what I truly care about, and it is so freeing to be able to put words to what I am passionate about because I have seen how God has been so faithful in my passion.

Through the social work program, it has been beautiful to walk alongside strong and empowering women on campus who strive to make the world a better place. I admire the peers whom I’ve had the privilege of growing and learning with because every day I felt like I learned something new about others and myself, and I would never give up anything in the world for this discovery.

Every day that went by I felt like I learned something new about myself, but what was even more transformational for me was that I was able to find language to communicate myself better. A moment that I will never forget was having a six-hour conversation with a good friend at the Bruin Den that was originally supposed to be a time for homework, but I can’t say I regret this time well spent. This conversation taught me what it meant to be present with someone, sharing the good things and the hard things, and ultimately engaging in vulnerability. This was a moment when I recognized what is vital to building healthy relationships.

George Fox gave me the opportunity to connect with such a loving community that taught me how to both love myself and those around me. The art of building new relationships and valuing what every person brings to the table has been such a transformative experience for my life, and I will always be taking away everything I have learned in my time here.

I am hoping to take a break from school for at least a year or two and continue gaining more work experience in the social work field. I do hope to pursue my master’s degree in social work soon, but for now I am excited to rest after graduation.

I am hoping that this time away from school will help me to know myself better and how I function outside of a school schedule. I am excited to go back home to Albany, Oregon, to reconnect with my family, childhood friendships, and the community that helped me get to where I am today.

My experience at Fox was life-changing! I feel so grateful to have spent three years at Fox, and I truly can’t picture my life having gone any other way. My time at Fox shaped me into a more Christlike person and opened my eyes to the joy-filled life Jesus offers to each of us.

The courses I took at Fox pushed me to grow as a student and helped me to be a competitive applicant for graduate school. My professors were always open to giving advice and were not shy about their faith. I also liked having small classes because I was able to get to know my classmates and professors personally.

I am also grateful to have been a part of the Bruin Athletics family as a member of the women’s track and field team. Many of my best memories were spent on the track or on team trips. Being a part of a team that competes for something greater than ourselves has been so humbling and rewarding to be a part of. My teammates are my best friends and continually encourage me to seek the Lord.

I will look back on these years with joy because of the ways has God moved in my life!

I have grown so much since coming to Fox my freshman year! I have grown as a student, as an athlete, but most importantly in my relationship with Jesus. When I first came to Fox, my faith was an important part of my life, but I didn't really know Jesus. My sophomore year of college, I received some of the best advice I have ever been given: “Know Him.” I began to spend time in communion with the Lord and learn about the character of God. I also began to understand the weight of the cross and the power of the simple gospel. I realized my identity in Christ and started to comprehend what living as a child of God looks like. Knowing him and believing what the Bible says about me changed my life!

While at Fox, I was able to get connected with a local church and build community with other athletes through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I am so grateful to all of the people at Fox – my friends, teammates, professors and the athletics department staff who encouraged me, supported me and pointed me back to Jesus.

I will be attending George Fox’s physical therapy program. I hope to use my skills as a PT to encourage my patients and walk alongside them throughout their journeys. As a Christian in the medical field I believe that I will have a unique opportunity to minister to my patients and be a light. I am excited for this next season of life to see what the Lord has in store and how he uses me!

There is no way to describe my time at George Fox as anything but a roller coaster. Despite the intense challenges life threw at me during my time here, students and professors have always been there to support me. The nursing professors specifically continually blew me away with their compassion, support and willingness to listen. I could honestly list all of the faculty in the nursing program; however, Lorretta Krautscheid, Pam Fifer, Andrea Alexander, Esther Gravis and Kari Sandau have specifically all walked part or all this journey with me. These are the people who have had the deepest impact on me and have spent time pouring wisdom into me.

The hardest lesson I have had to learn in my time at George Fox is how to let go. Giving up control, being adaptable and trusting that God has it all in his hands. If I did not have the support of the George Fox nursing community, I do not know where I would be academically and spiritually today.

Being asked about a defining moment that I can recall having grown is an easy question for me. It was not a moment, but a transition period. When my dad passed away unexpectedly in October of 2020 (followed by my grandma in January of 2021) my world was turned upside down. To be honest, it is still upside down, and I think it might always be, but it has given me a new perspective. Through this experience, I have grown immensely.

I came into school as a rigid perfectionist (an Enneagram 1 for those of you who are familiar), and going through what I have gone through has forced me to grow into a person who embraces each moment for what it is. It is much easier for me to prioritize time with the people I love over schoolwork and things on my to-do list because I know the extreme value of those moments.

Of course, I never took those moments for granted in the past. It is just different now that I have been forced to learn how to let go and adapt as I mentioned before. I am a completely different person than I was when I started school at George Fox, but I say that with a positive connotation.

I am hoping to land a job in the emergency department shortly after graduation. In June, I’ll be getting married to my high school sweetheart, who also happened to graduate from the George Fox nursing program last spring! Besides our honeymoon and a quick trip to California, we do not currently have any other big travel plans. However, we do plan to take advantage of the beautiful Oregon terrain and do lots of backpacking trips! Who knows where life will take us in the next few years!

I will remember college life before and after the pandemic, the crazy colored skies as a result of the Oregon wildfires, all the advocacy to create more spaces for students to thrive on campus (spaces for students of color and Sources of Strength as a result of this), and the restless nights trying to finish all of my honors reading.

I will also remember all of the hours I spent having conversations with friends at the Bon that lasted way longer than intended, the spontaneous road trips, the countless times friends opened up their homes for missed Thanksgivings with my family, and simply having someone to talk about all the things we were learning/being taught in class.

I learned to love learning and to love the process of it. It can be messy, difficult, joyful, heartbreaking and eye-opening all at once. That is proof that learning is taking place. Looking back, I am grateful that Fox was a place where I was able to do this.

David Martinez: Thank you for being my professor, my mentor and my friend. Whenever I finish speaking to you about everything, from overcoming culture shock to traveling to classic books in Spanish I need to read, I leave the conversation feeling inspired. You always were just as excited (if not more) to hear my travel stories and always had some of your own. Cheers to my favorite professor at Fox!

Mari Ortega: Thank you for everything. You care so deeply about each student and all areas of growth in their lives. I know I can come to you on my best and worst days; all I needed to do was walk over to the IRC. Thank you 1,000% for always seeing the best in me and calling me out when I needed it.

Lisa Cleath and Melissa Ramos: Your passion for Hebrew and the study of languages truly rubbed off on me! You both made me realize that I can be passionate about several things at once and walked with me while I figured it all out. Thank you for fostering your relationships with students both inside and out of the classroom. I appreciate both of you.

Sue O'Donnell and Kelly Chang: Thank you for fostering my love for the field of psychology. Thank you for helping me to ask questions from all different angles courageously and teaching me that the answer to almost everything is, “Well, it depends.”

Benjamin Hartley and Ben Hawkins: You both were my first professors in the honors program to make me feel seen and heard at the seminar table.

Steph Lopez, Mitzi Martinez, and Rusty St Cyr: Thank you for being the representation I needed in the Fox administration. You were some of the people who walked with me through some of my hardest moments of college. Thank you for your support in ways you were not even aware of at times.

I think that the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (sophomore year, spring semester) was the most obvious turning point. It changed the way I perceived my education, life opportunities, cooking and my concept of home, my relationships with others and my own health. I began to pay closer attention to the kind of energy, time, love and care I was investing in each of these things and adjusting accordingly to the values I have. I have grown into a confident person who recognizes what I bring to the table.

Another large marker of growth has been returning from my semester abroad in Lithuania. Study abroad has opened up the world for me to consider work, travel and life abroad.

I will be moving to Spain to become an English teacher through the program Meddeas. I am very excited! I do not know the exact city or age group I will be teaching in yet, but I am elated to be able to move overseas long-term and exercise what I learned during my semester abroad.

My experience at George Fox can be best described as “transformative.” I will remember most the great and intentional relationships I developed with people, that not only provided me with great friendships, but also challenged me to grow in my personal abilities and ambitions

Although there are so many individuals who contributed to my personal growth, it was through mentors and pastors such as Rusty St. Cyr. and Jamie Johnson that I was capable of understanding what faith means to me and how it translates when we serve and love others.

I have grown the most in my confidence, leadership and relational skills.

As I’ve been planning for what’s to come, I am excited to begin working in industries where I can merge people-oriented initiatives and tangible skills! Something I am truly looking forward to the most is having the time and resources to continue to pour into my community and students with similar backgrounds as myself. I am planning to return to higher education and complete my master’s degree, as I am hoping God will continue to guide me in the right direction.

My time at George Fox has been nothing short of rewarding, especially being a student-athlete. I have learned that it is the people that make the school, not the school that makes the people. Having faculty, coaches and peers who truly care about my well-being is something that cannot be replicated, and it is one of the things I will remember most about my time here.

I have learned a whole lot more than I had ever anticipated coming here, not only about what I was taught in class but what I was able to experience outside of class. Looking back, there was not a huge moment that stands out to me. It is more of the accumulation of moments that I will be able to look back on and appreciate: the days I stayed up way too late and the days I had to get up way too early. Most of all, I will be able to take with me the determination, grit and consistency it takes to be a collegiate athlete.

One thing that I think a lot of college students lose sight of is prioritizing taking time for yourself. It can be very easy to get into a groove of just doing homework, making sure you’re eating enough, and getting at least a couple hours of sleep, but that type of routine is difficult to maintain. For me, when the pandemic forced us all to take a step back and go home, I was able to find a routine where I could still be productive and not feel overwhelmed by assignments or presentations. It made me realize that college is a time to work hard but also have some fun while doing it.

I am planning on taking some time to travel and be with the people I love. However, I do plan on working in the healthcare industry and applying for PA school within the next couple of years.

At times challenging, but certainly rewarding. My time at George Fox has pushed me to stand on my own while also showing me it is OK to lean on others. It has also provided me with some of my favorite people to lean on, to study with, to attend events with, to work with, to have late movies nights with, and to drive to the beach for sunrise before class with.

I have friendships that I will take with me for years to come, but I will also remember the first friendly faces that welcomed me at the start and made Fox feel like home when I was missing my own. During freshman year, one of my professors invited my class over for a TV show and popcorn after our evening studio, and I will forever be grateful for that weekly gathering of students that formed some of my closest friendships. A semester of watching one show turned into a couple of years of watching a new series, and when schedules and routines would change, I could still depend on weekly hangouts with popcorn, tea and good company.

In the challenging or stressful times, God has placed people in my life who have walked with me through it, and the good memories with these people will forever far outway the stress of projects and deadlines.

Filled with excitement for the new chapter in my life, I admittedly started my time at college quite nervous and homesick. Having lived in the same town my whole life, starting from ground zero with friends was an unfamiliar experience for me. It has been very rewarding to grow in my independence and navigate new situations.

I remember one morning in particular freshman year that I wanted to call it quits, but I went to breakfast and my friend from class sat with me. A random conversation about who-knows-what put me at ease, and I realized I had a place here. The small things added up to a place that welcomed me with open arms. The personal growth I have experienced at Fox has come full circle, as I have been able to help some incoming freshmen walk through the same adjustments that I did.

I feel confident in who I am now and why God brought me here, and I started seeing how far I have come while walking other students through the start of their journey.

The future holds exciting plans for me! Immediately after graduation, I will be traveling on a Juniors Abroad trip to Spain and France with one of my best friends. Shortly after returning, I will begin my post-grad job at BORA Architects in Portland as an interior designer. I have the opportunity to work remotely for the summer from Montana, my home, and I look forward to soaking up time with family.

This fall, I will be marrying my fiancé, whom I met at George Fox, and we will begin our lives together in Oregon! I am excited to see what the future holds for us and will forever be grateful for the launchpad that George Fox has provided.

My experience at George Fox has been amazing! The promise of being known has truly been kept through all four years. From the beginning, my professors in both honors and nursing made me feel seen and known. I would visit them during office hours or even go out to coffee to have conversations about life and faith. They helped me grow in my faith as well as guide me through the ups and downs of life during these past four years.

The friends I made here have inspired me in so many ways. I have so many good memories (despite all the chaos the pandemic caused) of fun, laughter and joy. I will truly miss Fox, but I am so excited to take all that I have learned about life, faith and community with me as I start a new adventure.

Every year had lessons of its own. However, I remember at the height of the pandemic as schools were closing and clinical sites were shutting nursing students out, the professors in the nursing program continually surrounded us with encouragement and prayers. Professors started extending Zoom office hours so we could meet, and some even sent out videos or emails of encouragement.

It was a moment that not only encouraged me, but inspired me to begin looking for opportunities to do the same for others. Walking through the pandemic with such strong support has inspired me as a person, and a nursing professional, to always look for ways to intentionally encourage others and build community, even in the hardest times. As I head into a career in healthcare, being a stable presence for others in the midst of instability has become an ever-developing value of mine.

My next step is to work as an NICU nurse at one of the local Portland hospitals! I am super excited to start and also look forward to all the doors it will open!

My experience at Fox has been an unexpected one since day one. I always thought it would be like the movies, and maybe others have thought the same, but it really wasn't. It was harder than I imagined but better in so many other ways.

George Fox as an institution is just like any other. Maybe it has a nicer campus than some, but overall, it doesn't stand out. What makes George Fox a unique experience is the professors and leaders it chooses to employ. Much like a church, without the people George Fox is nothing but a plain collection of buildings, and I can honestly say that the people are the only reason I was able to stay as motivated and encouraged throughout my four years here.

My professors and friends have truly become my family; they have been so intentional with me since my first day here. I switched into my current major late my freshman year, but still I felt a strong sense of belonging from the very start. A smile from my mentors is like a warm hug, being acknowledged and genuinely cared for by such wise and Spirit-filled people is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.

I am so incredibly thankful for Professor Anderson Campbell, who introduced me to the world of Christian ministries and helped me find my passion for this area of study; Professor David Martinez, who became my first ally in helping me embrace my full Mexican-American identity in a predominantly white campus; Dr. Sunggu Yang and Dr. Sarita Edwards, who have walked alongside me for most of my four years as pillars for me as I continued to grow in my faith and literally became my family in the process. I have never been as full of both admiration and love for my professors as I have for them.

Of course, I cannot go without mentioning the amazing professors that inspired me through their ways of life, their thoughts and abundant wisdom, and loving ways of teaching and edifying their classrooms: Dr. Steve Winterberg, Dr. Trisha Hornback, Dr. Melissa Ramos, Dr. Lisa Cleath, Dr. Kris Kays, Dr. Kelly Chang, Dr. Sue O'Donnell, Dr. Young Ill Kim, and Dr. Guadalupe Garcia McCall. I have been extremely blessed to have met such wonderful mentors and professors; words cannot describe how grateful I am for their lives and the ways that God has used them to bless mine. I will remember the lessons I learned in and outside all of their classes and take them with me wherever I go, and I hope that along the journey we can someday meet again.

The IRC was my home away from home where students of color could gather, celebrate, mourn, dance, eat and engage in difficult conversations. This is the place where everyone is always warmly greeted by Mamá Mari and IRC staff. My freshman year I met an amazing family of juniors and seniors who had built a home here with one another, and they so generously shared that experience with us. I will forever be grateful for this home away from home and for everyone who became my family through it. I couldn’t have done any of the things I’ve been able to accomplish without my familia at home, my family at Fox, and the church we built here together.

The greatest things I've learned are: (1) what it means to love and (2) that we all need community, to lean on, to cry with, to fight alongside, to encourage, to love abundantly with, etc. This is our commandment, this is our call, to be the church, and I have learned so much about what this means through all of these amazing people, and I am and have been overwhelmingly blessed through each one of them. I used to think that George Fox University was the place where I needed to be, but now I understand that God was leading me to this place because these were the people I needed to meet.

I'll keep this one shorter, I promise. I know now that not everything my family taught me growing up was necessarily right, nor the only answer. I am so grateful for the huge role my family has played in shaping the person I am today, but I am also grateful that my understanding has expanded in so many ways. I know now that there are many MANY perspectives, many answers, and many questions. It is OK not to know everything, it is OK to sit with questions, and it is definitely OK to be wrong. Everyone is always growing; I am still growing and we will always need more grace than we think, both to give and receive.

Therefore, I have learned a more humble way of life, I have learned that it is OK to respectfully disagree with others, and it is OK for myself and others to change their minds and to have a change in perspective. We are not made to be like-minded with the world, and I have learned to be OK with that and to listen to other opinions and perspectives that are different than my own. Often it has also been these differing perspectives that have allowed me to grow in my understanding of people, life and God. There has been no huge turning point moment, but rather, very many little turning points that have most definitely changed my life and led me to where I am today.

I have been working at a multicultural church in Beaverton, Oregon, serving as a worship ministry assistant, and I will be continuing to serve in the world of Christian ministry there. I hope to take a gap year to breathe, live life freely, explore and experience things, learn and grow, travel and see more of the world that we have been blessed with. Post being a barista or live-music performer, I hope to attend Fuller Seminary to further equip myself in the world of cross-cultural ministry part time, and honestly, see where God leads. I am very open and very scared but also very excited and very blessed!

My experience at Fox has been one of great joy and growth. I think the most fundamental part of my experience has been the relationships that I’ve built with people. I have met people here who will be involved in my life in some way for many years to come. The biggest impact on my life has definitely come from my softball coaches – Jess, John and Jim – and many others who have helped me become the person that I am today. In my time here I have learned the importance of building and maintaining relationships with God, with people, and with my future patients. Overall, the experience has been foundational in the person that I am today.

I have grown more as a leader in my time at Fox. I think the turning point began in my second season on the softball team and has slowly progressed over time. I attribute much of the success that I had in my leadership role to one of the first questions I was asked on my application process to Fox, about servant leadership. This whole concept has allowed me to grow as a person and has a leader.

Next, I will become a registered nurse! My hope is to work with neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit at some point. I also hope to use the skills and my calling as a nurse to travel. All that said, I hope that I can have an impact on the people around me, just as has been done for me here at Fox.

The theatre program at George Fox shaped me into a strong, caring and supportive person. The professors and students created a safe and loving environment that allowed me to grow as an actor and also as a person of faith. As I continue my walk of faith, I will always remember Rhett Luedtke’s mind-boggling question: “Knowing what you know about the world, how will you love it?” The love and guidance given by all the theatre faculty will remain in my heart as I go into the world.

The communication department also had a wonderful impact on my life. Kevin Jones, the coolest old white guy I’ve ever known, showed me what it looks like to recognize the privileges we have and use them to uplift the voices of others. George Fox’s communication department taught me what healthy relationships look like, and how to implement understanding, love and curiosity into all aspects of life.

Since coming to Fox, I’ve seen myself grow to become someone strong in their beliefs, boundaries and bravery. Throughout my time in liberal arts, I have been taught by some of the most amazing professors who have cared for my education and growth tremendously. I believe that all people have something valuable to share; I believe that we must set boundaries so that we may shine the brightest in our own ways; and I believe that the key to conquering our fears is through the love and trust of our neighbors.

I will continue to explore how to love others in both the theatre and communication worlds. For the summer I will be traveling and acting in Season 2 of Average Folks, a hilarious and beautiful podcast. And I will be adopting a dog!

My time at George Fox has been life-changing in the best possible way. The most memorable things for me haven’t been the big events, but rather the smallest moments where God has shown up, like Bible studies and Life Group, worship nights in our dorm rooms, working with friends on group projects, and soaking in sunny spring days with friends after months of rain. Those memories are so sweet and tender to me, and I will hold them near for a long time.

I’ll never forget the people I met in the first weeks of freshman year who are still my very best friends as we get ready to graduate, and the ways the Lord has worked through those friends in my life. I’m thankful that the dear friends who have made Fox home are going to be my friends for life!

I am also forever indebted to my education professors who have challenged me, encouraged me and inspired me to be the best teacher I can be. I’ll always remember the critical thinking and creativity that we engaged in during class sessions, discussions and assignments, and the ways that I am a better student, person, teacher and friend because of that. Special shout-out also to Dr. Nicole Enzinger for fostering my deep love for mathematics education and for allowing me to pursue that passion with her!

I am leaving George Fox a completely different person than I was when I walked in. Through friends who have loved me deeply, laughed with me, cried with me, walked with me, and have made me feel more valued than I ever knew possible, I am walking away so much more confident and aware of the goodness of God.

I’ve also grown in the way that I’m holding plans for my life more loosely now than before, and allowing God to shape me and mold me and change those plans, as uncomfortable as it might be. In the words of one of my incredible Life Group leaders, Kathi Inglesby, I am learning to live life with more of an open hand than a closed fist.

Hopefully landing a job teaching upper-elementary or middle school in the Portland metro area and, after a few years, dreaming of becoming a mathematics education professor! My ultimate hope is that as a teacher (and maybe a professor!) I will inspire students to be two things: people who are critical thinkers and good friends.

My time at Fox has been such a great learning and fun-filled opportunity. The individuals who made the biggest impact on my life have been my professors in the CSIS department, such as Dr. Brian Snider and Dr. Brent Wilson. They are always so willing to help and they were intentional with each conversation we had. They reminded me that I have a perspective and knowledge that is unique to me and gave me the courage to lead in and out of the classroom.

I remember coming to George Fox eager, but also a bit reserved at first. Specifically, I remember being nervous about meeting new people and leveling up with my classmates. However, I am so thankful for the community that I found through my Act Six cadre, the Mosaic Scholars, the Latinx Heritage Club, and other multicultural clubs hosted by the IRC. I felt a sense of support amongst friends who related to my culture and wanted to see me succeed during my time at college.

Additionally, it was through the moments of challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone, such as being an officer for different clubs, being a mentor for underclassmen, and meeting often with professors, that I found a sense of confidence in myself and felt myself grow.

I’m really excited that I will be doing the Juniors Abroad program and will travel to Spain and France! We leave the morning after graduation, so it'll be a perfect send-off celebration! I always wanted to travel abroad, so I’m super excited that I have the opportunity to do so.

Also, for work, I plan to return to the Portland area. The specific job title is in the works, but I know God has a role planned for me where I will be able to serve in my community with my unique professional and academic experiences.

George Fox nursing has prepared me personally and professionally for this new adventure I am about to take. I am forever grateful for my time at George Fox University and for all the memories and experiences I encountered to help facilitate my growth. I am excited for what the future holds for me and can’t wait to start working in the profession that I have so much respect for. One thing I will always remember is the relationships and lasting friendships that I have built with my professors and classmates throughout the years.

A BSN nursing degree is one of the most challenging baccalaureate degrees you can earn in undergraduate studies. But far greater than just earning the degree and what shapes you as a person is how you handle every obstacle that is thrown your way. In the last three years, I have grown immensely, not only on a personal level but professionally.

Nursing is the No. 1-trusted profession out there because of our integrity, compassion, respect, excellence and dignity. When I am taking care of patients, I make sure I reflect those core values in each one of my patients. With every patient interaction I have I make them the center of my focus and do everything in my power to advocate and provide the best holistic care I can.

I am applying for RN residency in hopes to get into an ICU position back in Washington. In the next couple of years, I hope to further my education in either MSN or DNP.

My experience at George Fox has been both the most challenging and most enjoyable time of my life. What a roller coaster! I got the amazing opportunity to participate in three very different sides of George Fox. The first part was my academic world of nursing, which allowed me to build my communication, critical thinking and empathy skills. It was also where I became a professional.

In athletics, I was constantly busy during both semesters playing two sports: football and track. The football field bolstered my teamwork, leadership and grit. While track is considered another element of athletics, it was very unique from football in the sense that I pushed through a season-ending injury my freshman year and it taught me to focus less on the success, and more on the process.

In all three spaces, I developed lifelong relationships. These relationships are what I would say is the most important part of my career at George Fox. The friends and family I met here will be with me for the rest of my days. While there are so many people who motivated me to the finish line, the coaches in my life probably had the biggest impact on me. Head football coach Chris Casey inspired me about the privilege of opportunity and having a positive attitude, while track and field head coach John Smith demonstrated to me the highly underrated and transcending influence of practicing humility.

Overall, my experience has been full of growth and reflection, all while discovering my identity and role in Christ.

As I am sure so many can relate, the turning point for me at George Fox was when COVID-19 hit the world stage. My college foundation was ripped right from underneath my feet, and I was forced to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. If there was one time where I grew and changed the most, it was during the spring of 2020 right as the virus began its devastation. Out of the next several daunting and depressing months, I grew an understanding of how fragile my life was as well as my perspective. With this, I pivoted. I began to not take moments for granted. I soon became a believer of living in the moment and taking each day as its own. I love Matthew 6:25-27, which finishes with this, “Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” The answer is no, in fact the stress can subtract hours from our precious lives! This is how I have evolved since coming to George Fox.

I plan on taking this summer to enjoy life to the fullest prior to the beginning of my full-time adult obligations. I hope to travel Europe with friends and seek novel experiences while meeting new people. Afterwards, I intend on continuing to bite off probably more than I can chew, by pursuing another year of athletics at George Fox on the track as well as finding a full-time registered nurse position in the nearby area.

Eventually, when I am not working or training, people will find me tending a farm and out in nature, where I revel in God's presence most. But who knows? Only God knows the plans he has for me, and I am energized to see where they lead!

The community and experiences I encountered at George Fox have been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Not only have I learned plenty academically, I’ve grown spiritually and in my character in unmeasurable ways. Coming here has truly been transformational for me, and the people here are really invested in creating community. That’s what makes this place so great.

Before coming to Fox, community was built into my life. It wasn't until I was without my familiar community that I realized the importance of intentional community. God created us to be in community with others, and George Fox has plenty of opportunities to create a community for yourself.

I’ll be attending the George Fox Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the fall.

My experience at George Fox has been phenomenal. I think what I’ll remember most is all the quality time spent with my cross country teammates. Whether it be talks on runs, dinners at the Bon, Bible studies, movie nights, or anything in between, the guys on the team have really been like family the last four years. I’ll also never forget all the fun trips I've been blessed to go on as part of the team (Hawaii, Santa Barbara, Connecticut, Stanford, Louisville) and the crazy memories that come with them.

Academically, Angie Taibbi and Mary Imboden have had a huge impact on my life. Taking classes with them over the last few years has totally changed the trajectory of my life and helped me find my calling to physical therapy. I’ve also really enjoyed being a work-study student for them in the kinesiology department. I have a whole new perspective on how much they pour into the department, and hope to bring that same level of care and dedication to my work in the future. Thank you, Mary and Angie!

It’s hard to put into words just how impactful these last four years have been on my life. It’s crazy to look back at the person I was four years ago and see how much I have grown. I vividly remember having panic attacks the summer before freshman year, wondering if I had made the right college decision and worrying about the distance from home. Now, I can’t imagine going anywhere else. In hindsight, God has been mapping out the route for my life all along, and he knew exactly what he was doing in guiding me to Fox.

The biggest turning points and moments of growth came during my sophomore and junior years. This period of time was marked by change. COVID was upending life as we knew it, and at the same time I was beginning to consider changing my major. I’ll never forget all the uncertainty in those days. Despite the questions and confusion, God was still moving. It became really apparent why he planted me at George Fox, as my community really rallied around me in this tough time.

It was after having lots of conversations with faculty and friends at Fox that I started to explore careers in exercise science, which eventually led me to physical therapy. I would not be in the position I am today without the guidance of my community at Fox, and am so grateful for all who have poured into me these last four years.

More school is next! I’m staying at George Fox as part of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and I can't wait to start in the fall. I’m still unsure what type of patient population I want to work with as a physical therapist, but I feel called to help those who need physical therapy in order to function on a daily basis.

This next part of my journey will no doubt come with some of the toughest challenges yet and will stretch me in many ways. Even still, I am confident my time as an undergraduate student at Fox has prepared me well, and I know God is walking alongside me every step of the way.

My time at George Fox was one that will not be taken for granted. Coming in my freshman year I let the current of outside voices and opinions take me wherever it wanted to. However, I have since developed a sense of direction for myself and drive to accomplish what’s important to me. I have been able to create a community of friends and mentors who have done nothing but support me and keep me in check with my personal values and goals.

My teammates and coaches are a group of individuals who I will remain forever grateful for. They taught me how important it is to carry joy, gratefulness and acceptance in all aspects of my life in order to remain a learner and spread love.

Since being at Fox, I have had many revelations. However, my biggest and first one was freshman year in a class with Professor Ryan Halley. I had declared a major, but could not provide one good reason why I wanted to pursue it. Once I took the Introduction to Personal Finance course, I had a clear sense of what I wanted to do with my life professionally. Ryan explained how financial planning was a helping profession in that you are fostering relationships and offering advice to individuals and families who truly need it in order to accomplish their personal goals and dreams.

More than anything, I have always wanted to be a helper and this was a realistic and logical way for me to do so. Without that class, and without Ryan understanding the bigger picture of what it means to be a financial planner, I would probably be graduating with a degree that I didn’t have half as much of a passion for as the one I will now.

I have accepted a job with an Ameriprise Financial Planning firm in Portland and will start a few months after graduation! I plan to sit for the necessary exams to earn my CFP and licensing in order to continue growing in my profession. Until then, I will be traveling to Europe and back home for some rest and relaxation before entering the “real world.”

My time at Fox was very fruitful. I learned so much while being here and became more grateful for my education and grew so much in my faith. Being on the basketball team was the highlight of my college career, where I made some best friends and had so much fun being on the court every day. It helped me become a more solid individual, as it taught me discipline and how to overcome hardships. I feel more equipped to take on whatever comes my way next. George Fox was a great place for me to grow in the beautiful little town of Newberg.

My freshman year brought many challenges, and I would say this is the time I learned how to rely on Jesus for joy and strength. After I transferred and came back, I had a whole new outlook on Newberg and George Fox and felt so grateful to be here and it made the rest of the time at college so much more fulfilling.

I’m getting married in July and moving to Half Moon Bay, California. There, I will work as a PR specialist and social media marketing manager. I also plan to coach basketball at Half Moon Bay High School. Eventually, I may go back to school so that I can start my own horse therapy clinic for children with disabilities, as this has always been a dream of mine, but more than anything, I’d like to have a lot of kiddos.

I have had such a wonderful experience during my time at Fox. The last four years have been a period of growth and learning, full of challenges and joy. I have been able to pursue my passion for softball and nursing and have felt supported in these areas by my coaches, family and friends!

Everyone has been so genuine, and I have been blessed with friendships that will last well beyond my time here! Fox has created such a fun and loving community, and it shows! I will always look back on the moments on and off the field with my teammates, late-night study sessions before anatomy exams, spontaneous outings with friends from dorm life, and conversations over Chapters pumpkin pie chai!

Coming to Fox has been one of the best decisions I have made. not only for schooling and athletics, but also for my faith! I have learned what it looks like to walk with God through the highs and lows, and have gained a new community who pushes and supports me in all of my endeavors.

At the end of my freshman year I was having a lot of doubts about if I would make it into the nursing programs. After receiving my acceptance letter I thought, “Wow, I can do this!” My confidence in myself as well as my nursing abilities has grown. I’ve also learned what it looks like to be a leader and how to love other selflessly and show up for the people I care about.

I don’t have anything set in stone yet, but I am planning on applying to nursing positions in the Portland area and possibly returning for another season of softball! I am hoping to work with children and families in pediatrics and eventually go on to work in the mission field!

My time at George Fox has been one of the most life-giving experiences. Something that I will remember most after graduating is all of the time spent with my interior design cohort and our professor, Casey Martin. My design cohort and I have been close since day one, and we have experienced so much life together. I highly recommend making friends with your peers in your major because it’s amazing to see how each of you will grow in different ways while still bonding over the same interests. Our professor Casey has also brought so much joy and knowledge into our department, and she is always there for us when we need her! These people have made a huge impact on me during my time here, and I know that they will be my friends for life!

While being here I had the opportunity to be a part of the cheer and stunt team for all four years, and that has played a huge role in my personal growth. Being a cheerleader has brought me out of my comfort zone, which felt really scary in the beginning, and has taught me how to be a strong leader. The girls on my team as well as my coaches have helped me grow into the strong and passionate individual that I am now. Leaving this team is one of the hardest things for me about graduation, but I know that they will always be family to me!

I want to work at a design firm in Portland that does a combination of high-end residential and small commercial projects, focusing on projects that include my passion of sourcing, concept and sustainability!

Choosing to attend Fox changed my life in more ways than I could have imagined. I remember walking into my dorm freshman year not knowing anyone and being scared out of my mind. I hadn’t been in a new place where I had to make all new friends since I was in kindergarten, and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it. But after seeing the community that has been built here, finding friends didn’t seem like a chore; it was something I did with enthusiasm. That is one of the reasons res life had such a big impact on my experience. I was able to meet so many new people with different stories. I was taught how to truly show up in a room and be present, how to support friends, how to say no (!), how to truly take care of myself, and so much more.

I learned a lot in the classroom that will help me in my career field, but those lessons taught to me by friends and mentors, the love I was shown, and the advice I was given will be things that I remember for the rest of my life.

My junior year was the biggest turning point I have experienced in my life. I had been dealing with some anxiety that started to develop early in college, but I had always been so afraid to talk about it. I thought people would judge me, and I thought my friends would view me as someone that was just too much to deal with. That fear of abandonment really started to get a hold of my mind.

But at a certain point, I felt ready to talk about it. The love that was shown to me changed my life. I realized that the people in my life would be in my corner no matter what happened or what I was feeling. I learned in that moment what a true friend was. It also taught me more about God. If my friends could be there for me in those moments, God would be there too. No matter how dark of a cave I felt I was trapped in, his light would always find me. He doesn’t leave. I started living life a little different after that point. I reached out to friends more. I realized I may not be the only person feeling like that, and sometimes people just need that one friend to talk to. It was a part of my life I will be able to look back on and realize what a turning point it was.

I will be teaching PE next year at Foster Elementary School in Sweet Home, Oregon.

My two years here at George Fox have been incredible! I will always remember walking through campus or meeting with professors and feeling so grateful to be here. Being able to attend a Christian university was a game changer for me coming from a local community college. I was always blessed when professors would ask how they could be praying for us or when they would email encouragement devotions during finals week. Graduating is bittersweet. While I won’t miss assignment due dates and class presentations, I will miss the wonderful community of classmates and professors.

The professor who had the biggest impact on me was Mary Imboden. Mary supported me from day one. She believed in me on days I didn’t believe in myself! Her example of humility, kindness, hard work, compassion and grace helped mold me as a person and health professional. During what seemed like a season of death in my life, Mary knew I was drowning in grief. She made dinner for my family one day to help us during a difficult time in our lives. I was in awe that a prestigious professor at the university would do something so kind for me. That is just one of the many moments I felt “known” at George Fox.

Since coming to George Fox, I have a deeper understanding of what GRIT truly is. GRIT is the ability to persevere in the face of adversity. It’s a crucial component of success beyond talent and intelligence. I didn't realize how much GRIT I had in me until I had to be committed in balancing a full-time class schedule and homework while still being a present mom and wife.

There was a turning point during my time here when my faith was shaken, but in a good way. John Schmitt in biology and Joseph Clair in theology are two professors whose love for the Bible helped me realize just how powerful God’s Word really is. The beauty in the Scriptures they would share in their lectures made me realize that I didn’t read my Bible enough because they showed me God through a different lens. Reading my Bible no longer felt like something I had to do because I am a Christian; it is something I look forward to now. It’s my source of hope, strength, peace and joy.

I was also able to spread my wings while here at George Fox when I helped lead worship during chapel services with Aaron Barnhart's worship ensemble. He lead by example and encouraged us to grown in our faith and talent. Stepping out of my comfort zone and singing on stage in Bauman is an experience I will never forget and always be grateful for. My love for leading people in songs of worship is even greater now!

I am applying to the physician assistant program here at George Fox. I am praying that I am accepted in my first application cycle so I can start the program right away. Once I finish the PA program, my goal is to work in a small local private family practice as well as be active in projects helping patients in underserved communities. So, if you are on the interview panel for the George Fox PA program and you're reading this ... PICK ME!

My time at George Fox has been marked by immense growth and development through my experience as a student and athlete. My experience here has brought me great fulfillment and joy from the relationships I have built through my professors, cohort, coaches, teammates and all the people I have met in between. I am so grateful for the experiences and memories that this campus has brought.

Many of my fondest memories are with my volleyball team through the four years of games, team bonding, travel and chaotic energy. I’m so grateful for the people I have met, the friendships I have fostered, and the support I have received. Navigating college has not been an easy task, but I’m grateful for the challenges I have experienced as, in the end, it has brought me so much more joy.

I have experienced immense growth through my time at Fox, as I have been so supported through my academics, athletics, friendships and family. Through developing close relationships with my volleyball team, I have valued the continuous outpouring of love and support we have shown one another. I’m so thankful for the people in my life who have helped me experience growth in my own faith, identity and passions.

My next step is to attend the graduate program at George Fox University to obtain my Master of Social Work degree. I then plan to work toward obtaining my license to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I hope that furthering my education will equip me with the specific knowledge and skillset I need to support and serve individuals in adverse circumstances.

My experience at Fox was unexpected. I came here to quickly get a bachelor’s degree and then move on to graduate school. Instead, I found myself slowing things down and enjoying the entire experience by taking advantage of the opportunities that I got. I really enjoyed volleyball and badminton intramurals with close friends, being able to play bass in some of the school ensembles, being involved with clubs, and having a few work-study jobs. My instructors, bosses and friends really shaped my experience here in so many different ways, and I have had so much growth in all areas of my life because of them.

I wouldn't say that I have changed much as a person in my time at Fox, but rather I have a better concept of who I am. Introductory courses my freshman year were instrumental to stepping into that area of self-realization. Courses in my field, friendships and extracurriculars really helped along that journey. Now as a senior, I am much more confident with who I am in God, and have a much better sense of direction and purpose, especially within the last few weeks as an undergrad.

I will be pursuing a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology at Ball State University in Indiana this fall. I am hoping to then work toward a doctorate in exercise physiology. With my degree, I plan to be involved in exercise-related research while also holding a position as a clinical exercise physiologist. After some years of experience in my field, I would like to teach and continue research.

My entire experience at Fox has been characterized by a sense of belonging. Since day one I felt a strong sense of community with those around me that’s continued to the very end of my time here. I’ve heard that you make lifelong friends while in college, and now I understand just how true that is. Beyond that, my studies have taught me not to fear the unknown. Especially moving into a new phase of life there’s a lot of uncertainty and difficult challenges ahead. Studying engineering at Fox has taught me to face challenges head-on and given me the skills to learn as I go. By simply trusting that the Lord has a plan and facing each day as it comes, I know everything will turn out right.

Perhaps the biggest change I’ve felt since coming to Fox is that I can now see how I might fit into the world. Looking back to four years ago, I didn’t really understand what I wanted to do, and how I might go about living the rest of my life. Now I’ve gotten a glimpse of what life has in store, and I couldn’t be more excited! Having found a career path and knowing how that can be applied to hobbies and church outside of work is a great relief. My faith has also flourished during my time here, in no small part because I’ve been surrounded by other believers. Being more firmly rooted in my faith, I feel confident to go into the world and live as an example of that.

I’m looking forward to traveling to Italy as part of the Juniors Abroad program this May, and starting work after that. I’ll be joining Garmin Aviation Technologies as an embedded software engineer, working on aircraft avionics products. This is an amazing opportunity to apply my passion for aviation to work, and I feel uniquely blessed by this.

I think my time at Fox has prepared me well for work, both with technical qualifications and with the skills needed to thrive in the workplace. I’m excited to see what this chapter of my life holds. Although I can’t see where the entirety of God’s plan will take me, beginning to see the start of it has me excited to see where it leads.

I am so thankful for my time at George Fox. I came from a small Christian school and went into college seeking a tight-knit community. That is exactly what I found here at George Fox. I was deeply impacted and supported by my friends, peers and professors.

The professors and staff in the College of Education are the highest caliber of individuals I have ever met. They made it known that they care for my success in the program, as well as my success after graduation. I was particularly supported by Maranda Turner, Sarri Gibson and Steve Tillery. These are three people who will work closely throughout your time in the undergraduate teaching education program. I can confidently say that these people have prayed relentlessly for me and have the utmost care and consideration for every teacher candidate they work with.

When I was picking a college to attend, I wanted to be in a school that felt like family. That is exactly what I have found in the teaching program. They have loved, prayed for and supported me just like a family would. Academically, they have prepared me for every assessment, check point and evaluation. We are well-rounded individuals who are ready for a career in the classroom.

I have made a lot of personal growth in the past four years. I believe the biggest turning point for me was last year during the spring semester and through this year. Last year, I was submitting applications for my student teaching practicum, and I was able to research school districts and give a top three of where I would like to complete my practicum the following school year. It gave me a sneak peek of what it was like to look for a long-term job where my needs and expectations would be met, as well as a workplace that would push me to grow personally and professionally.

I submitted my top three districts; all were places I could see myself living and working in the future. I was blessed to be placed in my second-choice district, and if I had to go back and rank my top three districts, this would have been the first.

Fast forward to senior year: I have been teaching third grade for the whole school year. I LOVE IT. I have had the best experience here and hope to come back and teach here someday. This year, I was given some very helpful advice by my TEA, who told me to not feel pressured to accept the first job that has been offered to me. Students that come out of this program are set apart, and will be seen as an asset to any district they find themselves working in. In the search for a teaching position, you are allowed to be picky. Oftentimes, I think recent or near graduates are told to pick a job close to home or accept the first job that is offered to them.

This year, I have challenged myself to do what is best for me, and what aligns with my goals. As a teacher, we are told to hold our students to high expectations for growth and success. We must hold ourselves to high expectations, too. Do not settle because it is the “easy” or comfortable choice. Make the choice that is going to fulfill your wants and needs and push you to grow.

I plan to teach elementary school in a smaller or rural school district. Within the next year or so, I plan to pursue my master’s degree in trauma-informed education. Eventually, I would like to start a family and have a small farm.

My time at Fox has been memorable, and I attribute that to two main factors – my friends and my professors. Since my freshman year, I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by high-quality people who I’ve had the opportunity to share meals with, discuss matters of faith, and just simply do life with. My engineering professors have exemplified the Be Known promise far better than I ever thought possible, with some becoming good friends and mentors over the years. These are relationships that go beyond my college years and are not something I’m planning on losing anytime soon.

I think the period of time that I experienced the most growth was during junior year. This was when I really made meaningful connections with close friends, started regularly attending a local church, and saw incredible life change and fruit from this time.

I’m planning to take the next month and a half off to travel and just take a break, but afterward I will be starting as a mechanical engineer at NuScale Power in Corvallis, Oregon, on their pressure vessels and structures team. I’m looking forward to starting my career in engineering, and I’m excited to see where the Lord takes me, whether that’s engineering or otherwise.

My experience at George Fox has been transformative. When I arrived at Fox I was a very shy person and was genuinely worried about making friends. I was a Christian but unsure what my faith looked like to me individually, separate from my family faith culture. Specifically, I was uncertain how my faith and intellect worked together.

I also had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. But through my time at George Fox, specifically in the honors program, I found out both who I was as an individual and who I wanted to become, mainly through the mentorship of Dr. Javier Garcia. Javier was my freshman honors professor, and from the very first week of school he made me feel at home at Fox. He was outrageously, ridiculously funny, extremely kind and also the most intelligent man I had ever met. From week one, watching him interact with our cohort, I knew that I wanted to be the kind of person he was when I grew up. The way he passionately pursued his academics and consciously nurtured community was a constant source of inspiration. Javier drew me out of my shell, he supported me in my academic pursuits, advised me when I chose to major in theology, and overall acted as a sort of mentor-father.

I excelled at school due to his support, and a desire to make him proud. I will carry his memory forward with me for the rest of my life. He was a person of deep faith and conviction, and he taught me the most important lesson you can learn – how to live well – which I think essentially boils down to “seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God” - Micah 6:8.

One of the most impactful things that I have learned at Fox is not actually a piece of academic knowledge, but a question our theatre professor, Rhett Luedtke, asks: “How do we, knowing what we know about the world, continue to love it?” As a student of theology with an interest in the problem of evil, that question struck me to the soul when I first heard Rhett ask it. It’s a question that has made me more loving, more empathetic and more conscious in the way that I interact with the world.

As a highly rational person, I have doubted my faith before over the problem of evil and suffering in the face of a good God. Sometimes it does feel like there’s too much evil in the world to believe in a good God. But Rhett’s question brings me back from what I cannot control, to what I can, ensuring that I am actively loving my friends and neighbors around me.

I have been accepted into the MPhil program in theology at both Oxford University and Cambridge University for the upcoming fall semester. Currently, I am trying to decide which to choose.

My experience at George Fox has been one that I will never forget. It has allowed me to grow into the educator I want to be in this world. What I will remember most are my leadership roles that allowed me to work with other students and connect with mentors to see how I can continue to serve my community in greater depth. For example, this year as an RA I learned the importance of leaning in to those who truly care and invest in one’s well-being: my RA staff. They have become family to me and allowed me to be myself beyond any boundaries.

During my time at George Fox I changed academically and spiritually immensely. As a teacher, I showed grit in the way I carried myself through so many downfalls as a student. I have been able to see the importance of building trust with my students to be the consistent teacher who would always be there for them.

Spiritually, I have listened and allowed God to take hold of my life and its direction. I have realized the power in me is one of love where I will always choose to love others as much as he has loved me. When I choose love over other things, I get to experience God’s deep love for me and this world get to serve for his kingdom.

While the opportunities to work are open wide for me as elementary teacher across different states, I have decided to go back to California and begin my career there. More higher ed is awaiting me, but until then I am thrilled to be in the classroom. My hope is to be in the administrative side of the education field and I, along with my family and friends, will get to see what God has in store for me.

My experience at Fox has been filled with laughter, pain, despair, joy, heartache and revelation. During this time, I have built strong and lasting friendships, met the love of my life, learned to let go of the pieces of my upbringing that silenced me, and come into a deeper understanding of myself. It was primarily my extraordinary friends who helped me in this good work. They stood by me admist my profound grief, even when I made it difficult. I am thankful to Fox for providing the space and time to develop these relationships.

I’ve grown so much during my time here. My social work education has been monumental in making me into the person I am today. Due to the investment of my professors (shout-out to Peggy Gibbons, Erin Johnson, Ben Hawkins and Heather Ohaneson), I have grown in my ability to critically analyze the systems I live within and thoughtfully consider how to contribute to those systems in an ethical manner.

My husband and I have just recently moved to Portland and are excited to build a home in our little one-bedroom apartment. I have just accepted a position as a youth advocate at a domestic violence shelter in Portland. I hope to develop my social work career in the domestic violence sphere and empower survivors to achieve freedom from fear.

My experience at George Fox has been amazing! I have loved my time here and have met so many incredible people. I have had the opportunity to compete in track and cross country, and the relationships I built through those teams have been a huge part of my experience. My coaches and teammates have become a second family to me and have created an environment where I feel safe to be 100% who I am. They have been willing to stand by my side through all of the struggles and celebrate all of the wins with me. I am so grateful for these relationships I have built and am confident they are going to last well beyond my time at George Fox.

Every part of me has grown the entire time I have been at George Fox. Each year I have been pushed in different ways and in various areas of life, leading to growth I did not even realize was possible.

I am hoping to get a job in a hospital around Portland working with pediatrics. My dream is to work in a NICU or PICU. But as long as it is a job working with kids, I will be happy!

My three years at Fox have easily been the most important time in my life for self-formation. Most of my favorite people are the ones whom I’ve met here, and I am incredibly thankful for the impact they’ve had on my life. I’ve built a home here in a wide community of friends through the depth and lighthearted adventures I’ve experienced with them. Some of the most memorable moments involve months of planning to swim in a pool of cereal and some are the pure spontaneity of taking a road trip to San Francisco at 2 a.m. Through all of it, I’ve been shocked by how much fun the Lord has blessed me with in this community where I feel truly known.

When I came into Fox as a little freshman, I had no idea who I was and, because of that, had a hard time building good connections with people. Once I entered into my second year, especially through my role as an RA, I learned to open myself to friendship more and found that I have a deep love for connections with others. I was only able to do so through the mentorship of some really cool people here, who taught me so much about life and faith. I learned what it looks like to grow in relationship with myself in a way that makes my faith more genuine and that pours out to others.

As I transition out of my time in college, I am excited to stay in Newberg with the awesome people who live here, and to begin my career with a couple local jobs doing graphic design for the community. I look forward to the memories I will continue to make, the friendships I can continue to develop, and the path my career will take.