Get to Know the Class of 2024

I had an amazing nursing school experience, where I got to learn and pursue my dream career! The nursing staff was so supportive and was with us every step of the way. I got sent out to numerous hospitals in different specialties, where I was able to grow personally and professionally. My senior capstone was on a pediatric floor at Salem Health, where I got to work with kids and their families, and it solidified my love for working with kids! Also, one of the best moments at Fox was my Juniors Abroad trip to Southeast Asia!

My relationship with God has grown immensely through all of the resources Fox has to offer. Through the nursing program, I was taught to treat patients holistically, which included all aspects of life. Also, the Juniors Abroad program ignited my passion for traveling!

I plan to move to the Seattle area to pursue pediatric nursing! I also hope to travel to every continent in the world :)

My time at George Fox has been filled with countless relationships and friends who have helped me develop into who I am. What I will remember most is all of the hard work that my classmates and I put in to finish our homework and projects assigned to us. I will also remember all of the miles that my teammates and I ran on the cross country team and the memories that we made on all of our travel trips.

Since coming to George Fox I have grown immensely in my personal life as well as spiritually. I have grown to understand the necessity of balancing work and relationships and not overworking myself. I have developed my relationship with God through Bible studies with my cross country team. I am endlessly thankful for the conversations what have challenged me and encouraged me to take steps in faith and not be complacent.

I plan to stay in Newberg and work as a mechanical design engineer. I am also getting married in September to an incredible woman whom I got to know right here at George Fox. I look forward to all of the adventures that God has in store for me and my family.

Looking back at my experiences here, I wish I could go back and live every moment of the past four years over again. George Fox has felt like home since the second I arrived on campus my freshman year. The love and support I felt from my professors and my classmates made this my absolute favorite place to spend the past four years. The little moments I had on campus are the ones I’ll remember the most - walking to class, hanging out in dorm lobbies, eating lunch with friends. The simple in-between moments meant the most to me, and I feel so blessed to have met such a sweet group of friends to make these memories with.

The biggest growth I’ve seen in my time at Fox has been my confidence in myself and my own abilities. Freshman year I started out very shy and timid, and was worried about finding “my people” and a place where I belonged. I would have never imagined myself where I am now, having taken on leadership positions on campus, speaking in front of people, and walking away with a strong community of friends.

I also would have never expected to have added a computer science minor; the professors that I had in these classes really impacted my direction and decision to add the minor, and I thoroughly enjoyed the connections I made with them in these classes.

I will be working as a web developer and social media and advertising strategist at Nimbl Inc. in McMinnville, Oregon. I will be consulting clients on social media and working on website builds!

My experience at George Fox has been absolutely amazing, and I truly will treasure every memory made. The relationships that have been created here are unmatched, and the biggest blessing from God. I went into college a little nervous about not knowing anyone, and I am leaving with the best friends I could have ever imagined.

I will treasure all the memories with friends, my cohort, professors, student teaching, intramurals, and everything in between. I am so thankful for all the Lord did in the past four years, and will hold onto it forever.

Not only has my faith grown since being in college, but my confidence in the calling that the Lord has put onto my life has as well. The Lord truly confirmed that he has called me to teach and love his children, and I am so thankful for that. Through courses, classroom experiences and student teaching, I have grown to love teaching even more. God is so good, and I am excited for the opportunity to pursue what he has called me to after college.

I will be staying in the area to become an early elementary teacher at a private Christian school. I am excited to see where the Lord leads and guides me in this next season of life.

I will always remember the genuine love I felt from everyone who's been a part of my life here at George Fox, from the Magna Houses, where I had the pleasure of growing in my faith through brotherhood and sisterhood, to the College of Engineering, where I had professors who enthusiastically demonstrated how much they care about helping me become a talented hardworking civil engineer for God's glory.

At George Fox, I learned to never take a single moment for granted, good or bad. It is by God's will that I was able to achieve and grow the way I did, and he deserves all the glory.

I am moving to Boise, Idaho, to start work as a full-time structural engineer for Tamarack Grove Engineering. All I hope for is that God will do his work and that he will make my paths straight.

The biggest blessing and impact I experienced while being at Fox was getting the opportunity to take part in the spiritual life family. The campus pastors gently guided me and counseled me in these formative four years. I’m so grateful to have had them as a resource and build a relationship with each of them.

I remember coming into Fox during the pandemic. It was my first time away from home all by myself, and I was staying with my aunt in Hillsboro. As a first-gen Latino commuter student, it was extremely difficult for me to find community. I really struggled with whether I belonged or if I could show up as my full self in all spaces on campus. Through Life Groups, connecting with campus pastors and getting involved with leading worship for chapels, I grew more and more confident in who God was calling me to be. I didn’t have to blend in with the crowd or be the same as everyone else, but my heritage is something I can be proud of and something God can use on campus and in the professional world.

Currently, I’m holding my hands open for the future. Doors have been opening for me on the ministry side as well as the civil engineering side. I’m currently studying to take my Fundamentals of Engineering exam this summer, alongside applying for different civil engineering positions within the Portland metropolitan area. I’ll also be leading worship and producing music with different churches and people.

George Fox has given me a better understanding of myself and the world around me. I have been able to grow in my knowledge and my spirituality here with kind people along the way. I have been given the opportunity to meet genuine and loving people here who have given me lifelong memories.

I feel that in my time here I have grown a lot in my independence and self-confidence. I have developed a better trust in myself and my ability through encouragement and support from my friends and staff here.

I will be starting a job at a nearby hospital in a critical care unit. I plan to work for a couple years before returning to get a master's degree in nursing education or advanced practice degree.

My time at George Fox has been super fun! I am always going to remember eating in the Bon with my friends and classes in Minthorn Hall. The girls who lived on my floor freshman year have had and continue to have a huge impact on my life. I never would have made it through college without them! Fox has taught me to advocate for myself and to embrace change. I've definitely become a stronger individual and a better professional through my time here.

I've definitely grown in my ability to form connections with other people and strengthen my relationships. Throughout my years in the communication program, a lot has shifted, especially in terms of professors teaching my classes. I worried that I would not be able to make strong connections with my professors since they were always changing, but that has led me to always make the most of the time I have with people and take personal time to be intentional with relationships.

I have accepted a position in the Disney College Program for the fall 2024 season at Walt Disney World! I am excited to see where God takes me as I move to Florida and get my foot in the door at The Walt Disney Company. I don't know my position yet, but I am able and willing to take on whatever is thrown my way.

My experience at Fox was full of memories, thanks to the friends I made through football, and that bond provided a sense of belonging. Football is what I will remember the most; the days I felt like quitting but going through the pain with my best friends made it worth it. I learned GRIT throughout my time here. I learned about myself and who I truly am as a person, and about the things that I excel at and the things I really suck at.

Fox has helped me grow in my interpersonal skills and pushed me to come out of my shell and grow as a strong speaker.

I plan to start a full-time job outside of college, hopefully at Daimler Trucking.

As a transfer/commuter student, I was pleasantly surprised with all the opportunities to connect with other students and professors. My professors impacted not only my years as an undergrad but supported me as I pursued research experiences, professional opportunities, and helped me navigate applying for graduate school.

George Fox's Be Known promise isn't just a platitude that means your professors may go through the effort to learn your name. This promise extends not only to being known but to being fully loved because of that knowledge.

My first semester at Fox, I enrolled in a course with a particularly challenging professor. I quickly learned that I was in over my head and not prepared for what was being asked of me. Several weeks in, I got what I considered to be a devastating grade on our first exam. I was shocked given that I had studied so consistently and had made it my No. 1 priority for weeks. I began working with the professor, studying for hours every day, handwriting out each note from class, mulling through significant points from the textbook, and having friends quiz me. By the end of the semester, I got an A on my final and an A- in the class.

I questioned my abilities after that first exam. However, these setbacks have shown me just how capable I am. I have gone through the process of not measuring up, persevering through that deficit, and keeping myself grounded in an identity that is larger than my academics. That was the hardest course I have ever taken, and I am so grateful that this professor pushed me to the point of being unsure of myself. I have deep gratitude toward this professor and what she has invested in me. My relationship with her represents the larger environment at George Fox, and I am so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to support and challenge me in my academic and professional career.

In the fall of 2024 I will begin George Fox's PsyD program in the hopes that I will earn my masters and doctorate in psychology.

What I will remember most about Fox is the volleyball team. This program has made a huge impact on my life and has been a huge factor in the increase in my desire to pursue a relationship with God. Through this program, I've also developed much of my love as a coach and working with children. The players and coaches in this program have been a huge source of joy, relationship and growth for me, and I will forever be thankful for that! I've learned a lot about who I am through my time at Fox. I've learned about the importance of working hard in all you do but also the value in fun, and looking back these are the moments I cherish the most – the late-night talks in dorm lobbies, the midday naps in the sun on the quad, the random group meals with new people who become lifelong friends.

I think I've just become more confident in the person I am. I think back to every year I would take the Meyers Briggs assessment, and I would always be turbulent, which basically just means I'm not very assured of myself. Finally, this past year, I was assertive and I really felt the shift as I've grown to love who God made me to be and to be OK with not everyone liking me.

Throughout my senior year I have also been part time at Portland Seminary, pursuing a master's degree in leadership and culture. I will spend the following year after graduation finishing this degree, and then I will be applying to different PsyD programs in hopes of furthering my studies in psychology. I also got married on May 19!

My experience at George Fox was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I have met so many new people that I know I will be friends with for the rest of my life. This doesn't apply to just fellow students but the teachers as well. I have met so many professors who have inspired and pushed me to where I am today. I learned to be known and be proud of who I am and where I come from.

I have changed both in a religious aspect and a social aspect. Coming to George Fox, I was not super in touch with my religion and where I was in it. I was honestly lost. After attending George Fox, I met many people who have helped me in my faith journey, as well as the Bible studies and chapel opportunities available that helped me. As for the social aspect, I was very shy and nervous moving here, as it is completely different than home; however, I am now very comfortable with where I am today.

I'm hoping to get a job while completing an HR certification. After I get that, I want to work in HR for three years to get my experience in so that I'm able to properly graduate with my master's degree in HR, and earn a certification for that as well through SHRM.

I have loved my experience at George Fox! I will remember my many study sessions laughing with my study buddies, goofing off around campus, and large game nights with friends. My professors had a big impact on my life and how to approach nursing. One of my professors showed me the value of investing in each individual and tailoring communication to people's specific learning style. I learned that Christ deserves to be involved in every area of my life, and ought to be my goal to give him glory in everything that I do.

I grew a lot in my faith when I found a friend group I could grow in Christ with. We all support each other in the difficult things that we face, and we pray for each other when times are difficult. I also experienced growth when I chose to be a TA for pathophysiology. I got to apply my knowledge and learn leadership skills.

I hope to work in the ICU at a hospital in the Portland area. I have a few ideas for my future, but none are solidified yet. I am intrigued by a career in cardiac care, anesthesia, or becoming a nurse educator. I plan to travel abroad this summer and feel a little bit of freedom before the responsibilities of the workforce start.

My experience at George Fox has been transformative, engaging and fun! The Be Known promise was more than just a slogan; it was a promise fulfilled during my four years here. The depth of memories and experiences from making friends during 2020 our freshman COVID year to traveling on Juniors Abroad to these last few financial planning and philosophy lectures with my close-knit classmates are among those I will never forget. Furthermore, being in this community has aided me to grow in faith and in reading deep thinkers, and gave voice to the questions in my heart that may have otherwise gone unanswered.

The personal financial planning and business finance professors have helped prepare me well. I have accepted a position as an analyst at Bordeaux Wealth Advisors in Menlo Park, California, starting in late June. I look forward to serving our clients and their families alongside a talented team with passion, precision and excellence. In the meantime, I am currently preparing to pass the CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) exam. I will take a mini break and spend some time in May with my brother on a road trip. I am also excited to be a groomsman and support my close friend Connor at his upcoming wedding! I don’t know exactly what the future will hold, but I know that my time at Fox has forced me to consider what I believe and has prepared me to live out my faith and not just think about it!

My experience at George Fox has been shaped by so many different departments as well as so many lifelong friendships built here on campus, starting with the engineering department, where I spent countless hours studying, learning and experiencing what my profession is and what my purpose is. I've also spent countless hours at the Hadlock climbing wall, both as a supervisor, loving on the patrons, and inviting new people in to try out the sport of climbing, as well as learning and falling more and more in love with the sport myself. In the ceramics studio, I had the opportunity to create with my hands while learning the technique and art behind the simplest mug from start to finish. And last but not least, I'll cherish the time I spent inside the suit of Pennington, enjoying every interaction I had with the students at George Fox and attending events through a different perspective. I am forever grateful for my time here on campus, keeping me busy and exposing me to a wide variety of activities and experiences.

A few people stick out as I think about my time here. Those include Henry Clancy, my best friend and now husband. He is truly my partner for life. Emma Symmank and Jesse Bartel, two girl boss bestie civil engineers, helped me get through the past four years enduring all of the good, the bad, and the ugly. I'd also like to single out Nate Freeman, who was my boss and became a dear friend through the climbing wall, and lastly, Ben Giudice, an engineering professor who taught me well, prepared me for the world ahead, and showed some insightful knowledge over the past few years. I have been changed in such an impactful way by each one of these people.

I have grown in so many different ways, but most importantly in peace and confidence with myself, and intentionality and vulnerability with friends. It has been a gradual learning experience with each moment and interaction shaping my perspective on this world.

I will be starting a full-time position with Century West Engineering in May.

I loved being able to figure out my passion in life through my classes and studies, but also figure and discover myself more. I am thankful for my professors and friends, who helped me grow and supported me as I pursued my goals.

I entered unsure of what my major would be and switched many times during my freshman and sophomore years. I had lots of doubts about myself during that time, and even considered switching schools. Eventually, after taking some more higher-up classes that piqued my interest, my passion for art bloomed and I don’t regret it.

I did Juniors Abroad in May! I am very excited to go out of the country for the first time and travel to the French Rivera! Afterwards, my family and I are going to Costa Rica to celebrate me and my sister graduating high school and college. I hope to continue to network and look for as many opportunities as I can for my future career. For now, the tips I get as a server are pretty good.

My time at Fox has been joyful. It's been the most formative past four years getting to grow in my relationship with the Lord, learn who I am and what I'm most passionate about, and experience what it means to be in community with those around me. I have countless positive memories, from finding my friend group, turned roommates/sisters, to playing two sports at the university, to going on fun field trips with both the art and business departments, and more. My peers have definitely had a huge impact, as have various professors like Adam Long, Laurie Koehler, and many in the theology department.

Coming to Fox is where I truly learned what fellowship felt like. As cliche as some might think, I truly felt like I was known and knew others during my time here (but it does take effort). I started to solidify my identity in Christ over the years, pursuing him and removing where I put my self-worth in my academic or athletic performances.

I got married the day after graduation to my fiance, who I met at Fox! Then we are moving to northern Idaho, where I will pursue my photography business as well as hopefully a graphic design/marketing job and seek to build God's kingdom!

My time at George Fox has been a journey. The variety of experiences I had over the last four years taught me about the power of change and time. I came into college in the midst of COVID-19 (the fall of 2020), and as time went on and COVID became a thing of the past, I discovered an excitement for getting involved in more activities on campus.

By being involved I have built great relationships with both professors and faculty, as well as made lifelong friendships with other students I met here. The way people around me have believed in me has been inspiring and has truly built my confidence in many things, from presenting a financial plan to planning events for hundreds of people to learning to teach whitewater kayaking. The way people made me feel is one part of George Fox that I will continue to treasure.

Reflecting on my time here, I can confidently say that my faith has grown immensely. Growing up in a lovely Catholic home helped establish a good foundation for my faith, but my time at Fox has been impactful in strengthening that foundation. Being one of a small number of Catholic students on campus, I quickly discovered I had a curiosity to learn more about other people’s faith backgrounds. I remember one assignment I did for my introduction theology course, where we were asked to attend a church service that was not our normal church, and I chose to go to a non-denominational church service in Newberg. There were many differences and similarities between that church service and attending Catholic mass. But it was at that point that I began to learn how much I valued the sacredness and reverence of my Catholic faith. From then on, I found myself hungry not only to go to mass on Sunday, but to really know what my Catholic faith meant.

I am taking the summer off to travel around Europe. While there, I plan to attend mass in as many Catholic churches as I can, and hopefully see the pope! One of my primary goals while in Europe is to walk the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile trail that spans northern Spain.

In the fall, I will begin work as a financial planning associate at Human Investing, a small financial planning advisory firm in Lake Oswego, Oregon. I'm looking forward to learning more in the wonderful community of human investing and embracing my education as I strive to help people achieve their financial goals. I am thrilled for these upcoming adventures God is leading me on!

While at George Fox, I learned to rediscover my childlike wonder and to step more boldly and fully into God's design for my life. I've wrestled with perfectionism and continue to learn to embrace God's grace, which crafts beauty even in my failures. My experiences at George Fox continue to cultivate my creativity and compassion. I have become a more critical thinker and empathetic person through the time I've spent in the world of stories through theatre, writing and literature. Through every challenge I've faced in college, I have become more aware of Christ's intimate love and tender grace.

I have wrestled, and continue to wrestle, with much insecurity, pride and perfectionism. But God has continued to graciously weed out the roots of these things in my life and teach me how to lean on him. As a theatre major at George Fox, I have had ample opportunities to take risks, try new things, and "fail." These opportunities have stretched me to embrace failure as a part of learning and to make bold choices as an artist. The ways in which I have experienced grace from my peers, creative collaborators, and professors has modeled my experience of God's grace, which seeps into every area of my life!

My time in the honors program challenged my understanding of faith and theology. I grappled with ideas and questions I'd never considered before, but ultimately came out with a sense of both the knowledge of God and the mystery of God. Honors cultivated my desire for intellectual humility when searching for truth.

Ultimately, college has shaped the way I view my storytelling. The stories I consume, write and participate in communicate ideas. And those ideas have impact. My Theatre as Ministry class with Ben Tissell my junior year was perhaps one of the culminating turning points in my ability to articulate the integration of my faith and storytelling. Stories have the opportunity to communicate truth and beauty. They both reflect the realities of this world and the possibilities of what could be. Stories communicate our values and ideas, and they shape the way we think and feel. I see God moving through stories. My time at George Fox has shaped my desire to love God and love others with the stories I tell.

I'm currently in the job application process. I hope to work as a gigging artist and educator. I am passionate about how art and faith weave together and hope to bring these passions to classical Christian education with teaching theatre, music or art. I want to continue to tell stories of faith, hope and love, collaborating with friends to bring these stories to life. Ultimately, I want to love God and love others well through the stories I tell and the people I work with!

My experience at George Fox has been amazing. I met so many amazing people who have drastically impacted the direction my life will take. I think I will remember most how much fun it was to be in class with my friends, watching football games, and spending hours working on homework in Klages. The professors have been a real highlight, and it was a real blessing to just talk to them outside of class and attend their office hours. Professors Shelton, Snider and Veach really made every class I had with them so much more interesting and fun.

I have changed a lot since my freshman year. I feel a lot more confident and equipped than I did back then. Little things such as holding technical discussions with professors reminded me that I actually have come a long way in my knowledge and in my ability to assert myself and contribute in meaningful ways. I think a real turning point in my George Fox experience was when I decided at the end of sophomore year to seek out more leadership experiences and get more connected with the school. It was a great decision and one that has benefited me a lot.

Next is moving on to full-time work and beginning my career. I already have a job lined up as a junior developer at a marketing firm and have even started working part time this semester. I just want to continue learning and growing my skill set in my professional career, and I'm very excited to see where that leads. It's a remote position, so I hope to travel all over and experience as much of the world as possible.

I will remember feeling safe. Feeling loved. Feeling community. I don’t agree with everything everyone at Fox believes in, but undoubtedly I claim all who attend Fox as a form of sibling of mine.

Here I learned that God and science are 100 percent compatible, and it was here I learned the skills that I feel are required for me to enter medical school.

There are four people who work/worked for Fox, and an uncountable number who attend Fox who have had a large impact on my life. Kayly Lembke was not only my advisor and my mentor, but also my friend and someone who I would spend hours talking both about science and our lives with. Jeff Duerr is an example of the kind of Christian scientist I wish to be: relaxed, inquisitive and funny. Dave Johnstone is both my boss and a perfect example of what a kind, God-loving Christian should be. It is people like Dave who give me hope for the future of humanity. Finally, I have to mention Dwight Kimberly and Kent Thornburg. Professor Kimberly has taught me physiology, yes, but more than that. He taught me that it is possible for me to have a vested interest in my work. He loves his job so much that, even after retiring, he comes back to teach. Additionally, on his wedding anniversary, he brought his wife in and gave the entire class cupcakes to celebrate. That is the kind of professional that I want to be. I want to make it possible for those around me to celebrate in my joys. Professor Thornburg has taught me a handful of lessons, one of which is a kind of painful lesson, but one that I need to know. He taught me that the sky's the limit. He grew up on a farm, but he had a love for science, and is one of the most renowned scientists I have ever met. I see myself in him, because I, too, was born on a farm and have a love for science. He has also taught me how difficult, or rather, the amount of mental energy and “want to“ that will be required for medical school. I really do appreciate learning this lesson now rather than having to learn it after I have paid thousands upon thousands of dollars in tuition to a medical school.

When I first came to Fox, I was a very dependent person. I grew up in a very isolated community and could not see my friends without having one of my parents drive me to a meeting place until I was 16 years old. And, while my faith was strong, I didn’t have a very good understanding of what sort of outlets I had to use my faith in. Not only have I grown in my independence, but I have fostered a greater understanding of how I can use the gifts that God has given me to help others. I have always wanted to be a doctor, but now I realize that I can also help others while I am working to become a doctor.

I will be taking a month-and-a-half-long MCAT prep course and will take the MCAT in June. Afterwards, sometime in August, I expect to start a one-year master's degree program at the University of North Texas in medical science, and start applying to medical school. The end goal is to become a physician. I have some hopes within that, but my God is in control, and I am but a sheep to be herded by The Shepherd.

Working as an official nurse!

My experience at George Fox has been one to remember. Now, at the end of four years, I can wholeheartedly say that I wish that my time was not quite over. If you had asked me this same question during my freshman and sophomore years, I would have given you a completely different answer, saying that I could not wait until my time in college was done. I don't know if I would have actually done it, but after FaceTiming my mom in tears during the first two weeks of my freshman year, she asked if I wanted to come home and just do community college. I contemplated it, but ultimately made some changes to my college experience, which allowed me to continue on with my time at Fox. While my first two years were still tough and had their fair share of ups and downs, I am beyond grateful that God kept me on a path here at Fox, as my junior and senior years were ones that I wish I could perfectly package and wrap up, so I could revisit them again and again. This is not to say that they were easy, but they were fruitful, abundant, and filled with so much love, joy and hope amidst some of the hardest and darkest times.

I'm not sure if I could name just one person, but I will say that each staff member in the spiritual life office has made an impact on my life and my time at Fox, especially Rus. He has not only been my supervisor throughout my internship the past two years, but he's been a mentor who I can talk to about so much more than just the service and work we do. I will forever cherish our one-on-ones and the many conversations we have shared on walks, in his office and over coffee and meals. And I would say that is a theme for a lot of the staff and faculty I have interacted with during my time at Fox.

It has always been so much more than academics, grades and class content when I go in for office hours. They take the time to check in and ask how things are going, and while it may seem small, it means a lot, especially on the harder days. I definitely saw this with my professor Cassandra Zinke last semester.

Joining the spiritual life team as an intern was one of the best decisions I made, and I am beyond grateful I made the decision to apply two years ago. Through my time as an intern, I have formed so many sweet friendships and relationships, many of which seem like they've been going on much longer than they have been. Stepping into an intern role, being surrounded by people beyond my own major, and finding myself immersed in places with built-in mentorship and intergenerational relationships, I found myself growing and developing in a way that I never would have thought was possible. Even as my academic load started to increase as I began the nursing program at the same time, I was able to take a step back and realize that college is so much more than just academics. I knew, and still know, grades and doing well are important; at the same time, I started to realize that college is not only a space to develop academically, but also mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. It's truly been a blessing to have found a wonderful community built into my internship, one that has stood beside me and supported me as I journey to discover who I am in Christ, and who I am becoming in him. I wish I had found the community that I now have sooner, but having it now has helped me to share with others the importance of "finding your community before you need your community."

I'll be rounding out my undergraduate years at Fox by getting on a plane and heading to Romania and Moldova on a three-week SpiL trip. I'm excited to be able to immerse myself in a new cultural setting and to be able to share with and receive from communities abroad.

The hope for the future is to find a nursing position that allows me to serve the pediatric population. My passion for children has been there for as long as I can remember, beginning with desires to be a kids' gymnastics coach and elementary school teacher. Now, as I graduate, I am hopeful and excited for all the future opportunities and spaces that will allow me to integrate my passions and my vocation.

From beginning my college years in the middle of a worldwide pandemic to changing my major several times, my experience at George Fox University has been a challenging one in some respects. Yet, in spite of the challenges, it has also been marked by so much personal growth and a deep sense of joy.

While I will be getting my degree in math, I have also grown so much through being a part of the honors program and music department, and there is so much that I could say about the professors and peers who have blessed me in each of those spaces. Dr. Shifley in the math department is the one who persuaded me to switch to the math major and has been such an encouragement as I have struggled through the realms of abstract mathematics. Drs. Choi and McCullough in the honors program have challenged me to really consider what I believe and have provided examples of what it looks like to love God with your mind as well as your heart. In the music department, Dr. Warner has continued to remind me what a delight it is to make music, Maggie Daane has challenged and supported me in my vocal journey more than I can express, and Dr. Corbin has inspired me to pursue excellence as a musician. There are many other professors who have impacted me deeply, not to mention the dear friends who have made the journey sweet (you know who you are!). Each one has challenged and inspired me to pursue a life of joy, curiosity and excellence. Although I am concluding this season of formal education, these incredible people have built a foundation on which I can continue to learn and grow as I pursue all that God has for me.

While I have found so much joy during my time at Fox, I am thrilled to see where the Lord takes me in this next season of life. Over the summer, I will be writing a research paper on education as a Shaftesbury Fellow through the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy. When I return in the fall, I will join the faculty at St. Stephen's Academy in Beaverton, and I hope to join my church's discipleship program to continue to invest in ministry there.

As I look back on my time at Fox, I am filled with a multitude of emotions: gratitude, nostalgia and a profound sense of growth. Being at Fox has been more than just a phase of academic learning; it has shaped me into the person I am today.

Yet, the college experience transcends academics. I have developed enduring bonds with friends who have become more like family. I treasure the late-night conversations in dorm rooms, the camaraderie of group projects, and the shared experiences that fostered deep bonds with classmates and mentors alike.

However, the heart of my experience has been the close-knit community within my interior design cohort. My classmates, along with Professor Casey Martin, have been a source of support, inspiration and joy throughout my time at Fox.They have shown me that life's challenges are only as daunting as we perceive them to be.

College is not just about earning a degree; it's a profound journey of personal growth and transformation. As I reflect on my time at Fox, I realize how much I have changed and evolved since the day I first stepped onto campus.

At the beginning of my college years, I was filled with excitement and a touch of uncertainty. The freedom and independence were exhilarating, but they also brought challenges. I was figuring out who I was and what I wanted from life. The transition from high school to college was not just about academics; it was about discovering myself.

One of the most significant changes I experienced was in my mindset. College exposed me to diverse ideas, perspectives and people. I became more open-minded and willing to challenge my beliefs. I learned to appreciate different cultures and viewpoints, broadening my understanding of the world.

Academically, I grew in ways I never imagined. I discovered new passions and interests. I learned the value of critical thinking, problem solving, and seeking knowledge beyond the classroom. The intellectual challenges I faced helped shape my analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.

As I near the end of this chapter, I am grateful for the person I have become – more self-assured, adaptable and driven. College has equipped me with the tools to pursue interior design with purpose and conviction.

I find myself standing at the threshold of a new chapter filled with excitement and anticipation. What comes after college is a landscape of opportunities and choices, each offering a pathway to personal and professional growth.

For me, I plan to start my career in the field of interior design. I am eager to start my new job with the knowledge and skills I've gained throughout my academic journey to contribute meaningfully in a professional setting. The prospect of job hunting, networking and interviewing is both daunting and exhilarating, but I am ready to embrace the challenge and embark on this next phase of my career journey.

As I navigate this transition, I recognize the importance of embracing flexibility and resilience. Unexpected opportunities and challenges will undoubtedly arise, but I am committed to approaching them with a growth mindset and determination.

Looking back at my time at George Fox, the only thing I would wish for is more time. Transferring here as a junior was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my entire life. I still recall walking onto the quad on the very first day of the fall semester in 2022. All of the nerves I had built up instantly vanished. People and professors were welcoming, the sun was shining, and by the end of the day I had a plethora of new friends. The past two years have been filled with endless memories as I have grown my faith and education. The professors in both the biology and biochemistry/chemistry departments have challenged me in numerous ways while also supporting me and allowing me to be 100% myself. The friends that I have made in class and on the swim team will be ones that will last forever. My time at Fox has taught me how to love and care for others and to never be ashamed of who you are or what you believe in.

Since coming to George Fox, I have grown both spiritually and academically. Being a biochemistry major definitely had its challenges, but through that I learned to lean on God and my family, friends and professors to guide me in the right direction and allow me to succeed. I have learned to see the light in people and things rather than the darkness, which has allowed me to become a more positive and friendly person. My time at Fox has also shown me how to be professional while also being unique and independent. Throughout my two years at Fox, I have become a better student, friend, daughter and teammate, and I could not be more grateful.

I will be attending dental school. Although I am unsure of where and when that will exactly be, I am excited and hopeful for what lies in my path until then. Once I have completed four years of dental school, I hope to specialize in orthodontics and one day open a clinic that specializes in children with special needs, providing them with a new smile and a greater confidence in themselves.

My experience at George Fox has been an immense transformational blessing in my life. As I've rubbed shoulders with countless friends, teammates, professors and mentors, I've found myself shaped and changed for the better. Looking back on my time at Fox, I will always cherish the relationships I've been able to build in this community. It has been such a blessing to grow together alongside such amazing peers and mentors.

During my freshman year, I experienced a radical shift in my identity, casting aside all other labels and finding myself fully defined by Christ and his love. In the following years, I found myself involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, residence life, the College of Business, and the track and field team. It was in these communities that I was given several opportunities to step into leadership, and it has been such a journey of growth learning how to lead others while being led by the Holy Spirit. God has used my four years at Fox to radically transform me into the man that he has created me to be, and I am so grateful for all the ways that Fox has contributed to my spiritual and personal growth.

I am starting a boba shop in Newberg. Its name is People & Pearls! My vision is to create a community gathering place that becomes a wealth of connection, creativity and deliciousness to the community. I have been blessed with the opportunity to pursue this dream of mine, and the outpouring of support I've received from the Fox community has been nothing short of amazing.

I have absolutely loved my time at George Fox. I have had the opportunity to pursue two degrees in communication and Spanish, and also take a variety of other classes that interest me outside my major. I loved all my small classes and the professors I got to know throughout my time here. I am very involved in music, and it has been such a fun experience to watch myself grow in that area and form relationships with my choir director, Danielle, and my voice teacher, Maggie. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have had and the things I have been able to experience.

I will also be eternally grateful for the friends I have made at Fox. Starting with my roommate randomly assigned to me my sophomore year, I've been very lucky to have such a tight circle of people who will be my forever friends. I've loved all the adventures, dances and laughs I've experienced at Fox, and I will always have fond memories of my time here.

Throughout my time at Fox, I have become more curious and confident. I learned how much I love learning, and the ability to take such a wide variety of classes has been amazing. While being at Fox, I've grown into myself, and I'm thankful for the people who have poured into me the last four years.

When I was getting ready to study abroad in Costa Rica during the spring of my junior year, I remember how scared I was of having to make new friends and live in a new country. Within a week, I had made friends that I am still in contact with, and I picked up on small customs and norms that made living there feel easier. By the end of my three months there, I was a more confident and self-assured version of myself that I have continued to lean into since coming home. It was one of the best and most transformative experiences of my life, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to do it through Fox.

I will be attending law school in this fall! I'm still not exactly sure where I will study, but I plan to use my degree to become an immigration attorney.

I would say George Fox was a great experience, and I loved my time here. I made longterm friends, I got a great education, and I loved being an RA as well. I will remember my close group of friends I've had since freshman year. My RA as a freshman was beyond amazing, and I'll remember all of my residents from when I became an RA. Also, being able to grow out of my comfort zone was pretty cool. I learned to change some things instead of staying in the same routine, and being able to take chances was a huge thing that I will take with me beyond Fox. I loved the opportunities as well, being able to do different things around campus. It was an overall 10/10 experience. George Fox has fulfilled its promise to Be Known! I've always had the feeling that my teachers knew me more than just as a student.

I feel like I really grew into a more independent and confident person throughout my four years here. The environment was always so good, and I made same really good friends. I remember coming into Fox super nervous, after being in the pandemic not sure how it was going to be, but I ended up making amazing friends. After the first couple of days, I felt like I belonged. My freshman RA was amazing and my roommate was a randomly assigned person, but she ended up being such a great friend and we stayed together all four years! The Be Known promise was fulfilled.

I will be furthering my education and going to grad school here at George Fox, earning my Master of Social Work degree.

I loved my time here. I will remember the large community, the friendly faces and late-night homework sessions. This community was deep and caring, and I had a fun time growing here. The unique space let me grow up as a young adult while feeling safe and loved and cared for. The faculty cared for my growth and invested in me.

I improved my time management skills and grew in compassion for those different than me, especially in my gen ed classes and during my senior year. I really began to see that there are those different than me and think differently than me. I have grown to understand and appreciate the differences in people's opinions and how they are beneficial.

After traveling to Ecuador on a university missions trip and a month in Europe with my brother, I will be working at the Puget Sound naval ship yard as a nuclear engineer.

My time at Fox was transformative in so many ways. I grew so much in my first year alone, and studying through the honors programs made me a more critical thinker and changed the way I interact with the Bible for the better. Studying abroad in my second year was a highlight of college, and the Irish Studies Program was an incredible opportunity for adventures and to grow my faith and community. In my third and final year, I had the chance to connect with other students in the English program through writing groups, a Taylor Swift midnight release party, and a Bible study, making my final semester a blast both academically and socially.

Each year offered new opportunities for growth, although my time studying abroad was the most transformational. I learned in new ways, connected with other students like never before, and grew closer to the Lord throughout it all. I left changed and more inspired to devote myself to my academics and community at Fox.

After graduating I set out on a three-week road trip around the U.S., which will be fuel for my travel vlog and newsletter. After that, I plan to spend a year working on my debut novel to get it ready for publishing and begin querying agents. During this time, I also plan to work as a substitute teacher or a remote content writer in order to pay off student loans and build my career.

I love hearing people's stories. I think that all kinds of fantastic growth happens when we take an interest, and I think that George Fox has fostered a culture of genuinely interested people. College has been a great melting pot of all kinds of different stories, people and opportunities, and I've been so delighted to encounter them. I'm tremendously grateful to the mentors, professors and friends across campus, and especially those in the College of Business who have taken an interest in me and challenged me to excel.

I have come to enjoy Jesus in so many different people and things. I've been blessed with numerous opportunities to learn and lead at Fox, and that comes with a responsibility to look back and help others up. I think the Lord has developed a vision within me to recognize the strengths of others and a passion to partner with people in order to revitalize cultures and create sustainable community connections.

It's my desire to become a financial advisor, partnering with individuals and families to help them make informed, meaningful decisions with their resources and relationships. I'm honored to begin that journey as a wealth management intern this summer at Aldrich Wealth in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Over the coming months, I will be privileged to learn from the outstanding team at Aldrich, and I will study in preparation for the CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) exam.

Most of all, though, I want to be a father someday. I aspire to create familial relationships of belonging, where people are holistically loved and supported to do greater things together with Jesus and with each other than they ever could have alone. I'm excited to continue growing and following Jesus together alongside my marvelous girlfriend, Brynne, and I so look forward to what the future holds.

Being at George Fox has been the best four years. God knew where I needed to be. My professors and coaches really took the time to get to know me, which I am truly grateful for. They, along with my swim teammates, have made a big impact in my life. I am appreciative of their guidance, mentorship and friendships.

The swim team was and will always be my family. Coach Natalie and coach Jason always believed in me even when there were times that I didnʻt believe in myself. I was pushed constantly to develop the grit I needed, which I am truly grateful for.

What I'll remember most are our swimming training trips, taking swing dance lessons at the FoxHole with my teammates, and being in classes with friends.

Looking back at the past four years, I have grown personally and spiritually thanks to my College of Business professors, coach Natalie, coach Jason and teammates. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, which I feel allowed me to be more confident in who I am. I increased my knowledge and skills through my classes and built friendships that will last a lifetime. Spiritually, my faith has grown as a result of the integration of it within my courses, through swimming, attending chapel, and being a part of Life Group.

I will be moving back home to Maui and work to gain experience, with plans of returning to school to pursue my MBA. I also hope to give back to the swimming community on Maui. I canʻt wait to see what God has in store for me. Itʻs all about his plan.

My experience here at Fox has been the most valuable and incredible experience of my life. The impact that the Department of Art & Design has had on my life cannot be understated. I have met lifelong friends within my department, as well as some of my best friends far outside of my department and expertise. I met the love of my life here, when I thought this was an experience I'd have to go through all alone, and I am endlessly grateful for him and the experiences we share. I'm going to miss the community here dearly, and my experience here will always hold a very special place in my heart far into the future.

Before I came to Fox, I was a timid, shy and anxious teenager. Fresh out of high school, I was afraid to leave home and come to this new place, where I couldn't rely on anyone but myself. But I was welcomed and loved behind belief, and now I am such a far cry from what I used to be. I am so much more confident in myself, happier, and more equipped to love and nourish others around me.

I hope to pursue freelance work within the art field and to someday start up my own small business, doing apparel design. In the meantime, I plan to stay in Newberg and work on personal artistic projects. I cannot wait to start, and even though this chapter of my life is closing, I hope to always come back to it with the friendships I've made and the skills I've learned.

Serving as director of clubs with a five-figure operating budget on campus has been a rewarding experience. Being a student leader is not an easy task. I served on the university's Association for Computing Machinery chapter board twice, as the marketing coordinator and president from 2021 to 2023, hosting the first, second and third annual premier collegiate hackathon here on campus. I have also been involved with the yearbook publication team for all four years of my undergraduate studies.

I have also worked as a web developer in the Office of Marketing and Communications for three years and have been heavily involved with the Intercultural Resource Center, regularly attending Soul Food Friday events and, in 2024, serving as treasurer for the Fusion Asian-American MCO. Being a student leader takes grit, and I am so humbled to know that I have had the support of Fox and its offices, staff and faculty.

As I pass the baton of all my various roles at Fox, I am confident that George Fox will continue flourishing! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your support, hard work and friendship. Although I am moving on to a new chapter in my life, the lessons I have learned and the connections I have made here will always be a part of me. I am eager to see where your talents and dedication take George Fox in the future.

When I first came to college, I was bald and the dude with the hat 24/7. It was not until senior year my hair started to grow back, and it sparked a mental shift in energy and spirituality where I took my personal journey with faith seriously. I started stressing less and reflecting more on my past experiences, doing more things outside my comfort zone. Alas, I am so grateful for George Fox through its ups and downs.

I am currently and always looking for a challenge, so hit me up if you have recommendations: harryzhu.com.

Fox has been an amazing experience, whether in classes, competing in intramurals, participating in clubs, or hanging out with friends. I was blessed to have the opportunity to connect with many people around campus, both professors and friends. It has been special to get to become friends with my math professor, Tom Shifley. Additionally, I have been blessed with great friends whom I’ve spent time doing homework with, playing games with, winning intramurals with, and going on road trips. I am blessed to have been with the people at Fox.

Probably my biggest turning point was between the first and second year of my freshman year. It was then that I decided to not continue playing golf for Fox, and to try out for the soccer team. I was then cut from the soccer team and found myself as an “athlete” no longer. This forced me to confirm that my identity is not in sports, but in Christ. This absence of a sport allowed for me to become more invested in school, friends and faith. It allowed for me to have time to hang out and become best friends with my now fiancée.

Now that school is over, I am finishing teaching at C.S. Lewis (pre-calculus and physics). I am then getting married. After the wedding, I get to go on a road trip with my wife :). Afterwards, we're moving to California, where I will teach and she will attend grad school.

My time at Fox has been such a transformative experience. I came here as a transfer student and was excited but nervous to be away from home. Before coming to Fox, I was more reserved and felt out of place. I learned that I have a community here and friendships that will last after graduation! I met so many amazing people and got to participate in numerous activities that Fox has to offer. I will always remember the kindness of each person that I came into contact with here! The professors have truly shown what it means to Be Known and to be encouraged and supported in my academics and personal life.

I have grown to be more confident in myself and have learned along the way the importance of faith through difficult times, as well as in everyday life.

I plan to work as a nurse, hopefully in labor and delivery!

George Fox wasn't just about academics for me; it was truly transformative. My professors provided a quality computer science education that prepared me for the real world. But beyond the classroom, Fox fostered an incredible sense of community. I built friendships that I know will last a lifetime, and I had the chance to get involved in many different extracurricular opportunities. Those experiences, along with the supportive environment, helped me grow both personally and professionally. I'm so grateful for the memories and connections I made at Fox.

My time here at Fox has fostered tremendous growth in me in so many different ways. Leading outdoor trips for Hadlock allowed me to grow in both leadership and outdoor recreation skills. Going on Juniors Abroad to Greece and Israel broadened my horizons and left a lasting impact on the way I view the world. Lastly, being part of a faith-centered community has allowed me to grow deeper in my relationship with Jesus.

I will be moving up to the Seattle area for a software engineering position with Microsoft!

The most impactful thing was the importance of open-mindedness. In many of my theology classes, as well as in the honors program, I was constantly pushed to humbly investigate new ideas.

Yes! Obviously, most of that change didn't happen overnight, but there are a few instances which I really felt my relationship with God deepen. One of those instances was freshman year, after reading the Gospel of John. I was very struck by how Jesus interacted with Nicodemus, and it changed how I approached the Bible.

So far, I'm just being a bum in Newberg! I'm currently hunting for jobs.

I would say one word to describe my time at George Fox University would be "epic." I transferred in 2021 for nursing school and am so grateful for the decision. God led me to Oregon, and I learned how to be a stronger and braver person. People who had a big impact on my life are my family, my best friends, the MarCom team, and of course my outstanding professors from nursing school. I will remember the community and the way we all came together to get through adversity the most. Thank you to all who made this journey in undergrad (although non-traditional) a great one! :)

I think since coming to George Fox I learned how to think critically, take care of complex patients, and have a deeper relationship with God. My time was full of big ups and downs, but was truly incredible. I have learned how to care for myself to better take care of others in hard times. I am beyond grateful for the community I had in my time here.

I will be working as a nurse resident in Spokane, Washington, at Sacred Heart Medical Center on the pulmonology acute care floor. I will also be traveling, swimming and hiking lots with my family and my dog Aza. Last, but not least, I will be continuing to pursue my photography passion as a side hobby and career of its own.

My experience at George Fox has been amazing in allowing me to step into a role that I have felt a true calling to, allowing me to meet amazing people who will continue to be close friends long into the future, and giving me an opportunity to become an overall better person. I am so glad that I chose George Fox, because I don't believe I would have received the same experience anywhere else. Nowhere else are there professors who so authentically care about you and your well-being, and nowhere else do you meet so many amazing, kind and wonderful peers. I am also so lucky in that so few colleges offer the financial planning program, and it is even rarer to have a financial planning program that is of such a high quality and contains so many caring and intelligent professionals.

I will always remember what a great experience I have had here and how many great people have worked so hard to provide this experience for me. I am forever grateful and will always remember these people and this time.

My time at George Fox has been transformational in shaping me into a professional, as well as a more caring and knowledgeable person. After coming to George Fox, I was surprised to see how many of the students here are such great, kind and caring people. The time I have spent working, learning and laughing with the great people I have met at Fox have truly been some of my most treasured and impactful memories that will stay with me forever. The work ethic and drive of the many people at Fox has also helped me to further develop myself as an employee and has set me up for success in whatever role I choose to serve in.

Because I graduated from the financial planning program a year early, I was privileged to take a Juniors Abroad trip to Italy and Greece after commencement. It offered a great opportunity to see parts of the world I have never seen before and to also have a well-deserved break before heading off to my life after college.

Looking ahead, I have accepted a full-time position at CGC Financial Services, a financial planning firm in Lake Oswego, Oregon, as a paraplanner. In this role I will get to create financial plans for individuals that will help them to plan for their financial future and prepare for retirement. During the latter half of this upcoming year, I will also begin studying for the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) exam, which will set me on the path to becoming a financial advisor. I am looking forward to working toward this important role, which will allow me to help people and provide for my family.

I have really enjoyed my time at George Fox the past four years. I will always remember the weekend adventures and late nights in Klages with friends who made my college experience unforgettable.

I have grown in my identity and learned how to appreciate the journey and stay true to my values through grief and hardships.

I want to travel. I have plans to go to Spain this summer and hope to prepare for a year abroad in Europe. Long term, I am interested in doing nonprofit work with outreach organizations, and looking forward to exploring my passions and seeing what the future holds.