Tag: why i chose npu

Real Stories of NPU: Closer to Home Made a Difference

“For a while, I was dead-set on moving away. Then I visited North Park as a prospective student. That was when I realized that I could make my own experience here and do my own thing.”

Sarah Hawkinson "The interactions I had with professors, even before attending North Park, were really encouraging because it seemed like they want to be more than just professors but mentors who are there to help you make choices. And now that I am getting to the core of what I want to study, my professors are ready and eager to challenge me."

Sarah Hawkinson is a history and secondary education major. She is also a desk attendant, writing advisor, participates in the women’s chorale, and tutors students from Peterson Elementary school.

“North Park went from being my last choice to the perfect choice for me. My family has a lot of history and connections at North Park, so it had been in my life so much already and for a while, I was dead-set on moving away. Then I attended a scholarship event; it was my first time visiting as a prospective student. I had fun meeting other people I would potentially go to school with, and the idea of coming to North Park began to feel more real. That was when I realized that I could make my own experience here and do my own thing.

The interactions I had with professors, even before attending North Park, were really encouraging because it seemed like they already wanted to be invested in their students—to be more than just professors but mentors who are there to help you make choices. That’s what I love about North Park now. Having the opportunity to get coffee with my professors and take extra time outside of the classroom is something that I feel my friends at other schools don’t get. And now that I am getting to the core of what I want to study, my professors are ready and eager to challenge me, especially when I’ve shown that I’m invested and interested in their class.

Another aspect of North Park that I’ve grown to appreciate is its location in the city, which has helped me to continue in my faith life by learning more about cultural and religious diversity. I’m definitely growing and having positive and new experiences in this city setting. It has been important for me to get to know others and hear about a variety of experiences; it’s enhancing my faith-life and the way I see the world.

I’ve realized being close to home has more benefits than drawbacks. I can go home every weekend or once a semester.  I’ve been very happy with my decision to go somewhere which happened to be close to home, but really my decision was more multi-faceted than that. It was the opportunity to grow at a school where professors and students encourage faith, growth, and learning. Plus, I get to keep my winter clothes at home during the spring.”

Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Blog, Profile, StoriesTags , , , ,

Real Stories of NPU

Three students share how getting involved on campus has shaped their experience at North Park University.

Lydia Vander Stelt, Business & Economics and Nonprofit Management, “The best characteristic of North Park is that it is city-centered and we have the Catalyst 606 program. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow in my faith both in and outside of the city. North Park is good at providing opportunities for students to grow in their faith, but not forcing that growth. I think that is key in the transition from high school into college."

Lydia Vander Stelt

Junior, Double Major in Business & Economics and Nonprofit Management

From Grand Rapids, MI

“I chose North Park because of its location. I wanted to set myself far enough away from home to be able to grow, but not have a hard time getting home. The best characteristic of North Park is that it is city-centered and we have the Catalyst 606__ program. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow in my faith both in and outside of the city. North Park is good at providing opportunities for students to grow in their faith, but not forcing that growth, which I think is key in the transition from high school into college and becoming an adult.

As a freshman, I decided to take the time to breathe and not get involved in many activities. When I participated in the Catalyst 606__ Semester, it opened a lot of doors for meeting new people and friends, which was crucial to my getting involved. Now I’m the communications director for the Student Government Association. I work to make the Student Government more transparent and accessible to the student body. What is so unique about the student government is that I have been able to get to know the University administration and act as the liaison so that students are heard.”

Betty Rodriguez, Biology Major and Pre-Med "My first impression of North Park was when I came for the Lighthouse Scholarship meeting (a cohort program for first-generation college students) and I was like ‘wow, this is where I want to be.’ The family and community that you can build here is something that I love. You can always count on someone on campus.”

Betty Rodriguez

Junior, Biology Major and Pre-Med

From Mexico and Chicago, IL

“Being a part of Rising Dreamers United means being informative about issues in the immigration community. It isn’t just about DACA students or immigrant students on campus, but a variety of students on campus that people need to know about. These issues affect thousands of students and many more families.

I have also been involved in the Student Government Association (SGA) since last year, and I’ve stayed involved because it allows me to help others wherever they are struggling. I am able to share with other students what SGA is working on, and sometimes students come to me with issues.

My first impression of North Park was when I came for the Lighthouse Scholarship meeting (a cohort program for first-generation college students) and I was like ‘wow, this is where I want to be.’ The family and community that you can build here is something that I love. You can always count on someone on campus.”

Jared Koehler

Senior, Double Major in Business & Economics and Politics & Government

From Kukana, WI

“My curiosity brought me to North Park, and I’m really glad that I came here because it expanded my world view. I made a lot of international friends which pushed me to study abroad, something I might not have done if I hadn’t gone to North Park. I’ve learned that the world is such an amazing place. It has made me more open-minded and instilled in me a better understanding of others.

Next to the international focus, the student-faculty relationship is the best thing about North Park. I feel that education should not only be to hear something but to practice it through discourse. North Park has an intense mission to bring students and professors together and to facilitate conversation. Because of that, I have met some professors who have helped me both to improve my skills and to network.

North Park is a great transition from leaving high school to becoming someone who is truly prepared, not only for the work force but for relationships with people who are different from oneself. It is a good fit for anyone who is curious to learn about others and the value of diversity in opinions and cultures.”

Author Ana SeklerPosted on Categories Blog, Profile, StoriesTags , , , ,