Sophomore Congress Students

Alyssa Anderson was a four-year varsity letter winner and honor roll student at Northside College Preparatory High School. Following her graduation in 2008, she enrolled in North Park University where she has been involved in various activities such as gospel choir, track & field, a global partnership trip to the Gulf Coast, and small groups. Alyssa is an active member of her church and has served on the board of Christian Formation. Her Fall 2009 was spent in Jönköping, Sweden as part of North Park's exchange program with Södras Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola. Her love of people, science, and sports has led her to pursue a degree in Athletic Training.

I personally have achieved nothing in my life. God has given me all of my abilities, and deserves any credit for any accomplishments i have attained. I think He has a plan for my life. I currently am aspiring to be a doctor, and would like to do something with that in places, such as Africa, which may not necessarily have the resources to receive adequate support in health areas. God will decide the best way for me to do that. However, He may have a completely different plan for me. Anything I become will be because that is what He made me, not because of what I make myself. My goal is to put myself in a position in which I can help those who cannot help themselves.

Miles Colago graduated with highest honors with a GPA of 4.0 from Anoka High School in the beautiful state of Minnesota. He also was one of four officers of Anoka's National Honors Society and a senior member of student council. Miles was captain of the Varsity Soccer team his senior year, while earning awards such as All-State, All-conference MVP, and All-Metro his junior and senior year. Miles is a transfer student from the school of Calvin College where he earned a 3.75 GPA and was member of the dean's list for both semesters of his freshman year of college. Miles is double majoring in Secondary Education and English and earning a certificate in Humanics nonprofit management. He looks to serve God by assisting the development of educational systems in underdeveloped countries where he would serve as a teacher of English or other necessary subjects. He also wishes to intertwine his passion for soccer with his passion to reach the youth in various cultures in a Christ centered non-profit organization.

Karen Kelly graduated from Greengates School in Mexico City, Mexico in 2008. She is now a sophomore at NPU majoring in Global Studies and French. Karen has a passion for languages and culture and has most recently begun studying Arabic. She loves working with children, singing in Gospel Choir, traveling and trying new kinds of food. She is planning on studying abroad in a francophone country during her junior year. In the future, she hopes to serve others with her skills and is interested in pursuing further studies in the area of linguistics.

Phil Landin graduated as valedictorian of Eisenhower High School’s class of 2008. A member of the high school honors program and a National Merit Commended Student, Phil was awarded the Trustee Award at North Park. Maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, he studies Creative Writing and Biblical and Theological Studies in hopes to one day become a writer and an international missionary, probably in Latin America or the Middle East. He is a member of the Gospel Choir chaplaincy team and assistant editor of the student-produced North Branch literary publication. Above all, he is devoted to the Lord. He desires to bring the liberating love of God to those in any kind of bondage. In all things, he strives to honor God.

Rebekah Lindberg graduated 8th in her class from Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie Washington, while taking classes at the nearby community college and working part time as a lifeguard. She had to do a little explaining to get all the way to Chicago from Seattle, but knows it was worth it. She has taken many interesting and stimulating classes so far at North Park University including Honors Intro to the Bible, Paul, and Advanced Grammar and Composition in Spanish. Besides classes Rebekah is involved in music, playing Bassoon in the Concert Band and being a member of the Touring Gospel Choir Ensemble. She has enjoyed learning to live in a city and has done many different things, including going to see Macbeth at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, eating gourmet cupcakes and swimming in Lake Michigan. In her future at North Park, Rebekah is excited to go on foreign exchange to Latin America and to be continually challenged in her classes and in her faith.

Holly Melgren graduated 20th in her class of 519 from Olathe East High School in 2008. She was active in several programs at school, including National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, and Orchestra. Holly loves the challenge of college, and hopes to continue to grow. She hopes to make a difference in the world around her, wherever God leads.

Melissa Nordlie was a high honors graduate of Ottawa Township High School in 2008 where she received numerous awards for academics. She loves the new insights and experiences that college has offered her. Melissa finds joy in volunteering at service events and is determined make a difference. She is full ambition as she continues to pursue a career in nursing.

Stephanie Nilson graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School's Science and Technology Program in Greenbelt, MD in 2008. She was a member of the National Honor Society, viola player for the Chamber Orchestra, writer for the school literary magazine, and athlete for the women’s soccer and rugby teams. She continued playing soccer at North Park University, where she plans on completing a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2012.

Michelle Wells was a Valedictorian of Monroe High School's (Monroe, Washington) Class of 2008 where she received a 4.0 GPA throughout all four years of high school. She is pursuing a Global Studies major with concentrations of Latin American and Africana Studies as well as a Spanish major while at North Park University. She is actively involved in many areas of the university beyond the classroom. She leads a small group every week, is a member of the campus chapter of International Justice Mission and has traveled to New Orleans and Africa with Global Partnerships teams. Michelle hopes to work for an international non-profit organization or the United Nations or the Peace Corps after graduating where she can put into action all that she has learned while attending North Park.

Jaclynn Workman graduated in the top ten of her class from Western Michigan Christian High School in 2008. She received North Park's Presidential Scholarship, and also won the University's competitive Trustee Scholarship. She is currently pursuing a History major, with a minor in Spanish, and an interest in learning other languages. She is a member of both the Jazz and Concert Bands at North Park, and currently leads an Urban Outreach program to a local homeless shelter. Jaclynn plans to graduate in Spring of 2012 and is thinking about enlisting in the Peace Corps, or some other form of living and serving abroad after graduation. After that, she is looking at possibly pursuing a career in historical interpretation with the National Park Service.