The end of the semester is fast approaching, culminating on Saturday, May 11th with the Commencement of Houghton’s class of 2013. Houghton will be saying goodbye to a diverse group of students with various majors and interests. As this collection of individuals look ahead to the future, they also remember their experiences at Houghton.
Student athlete and senior, Mark O’Brien, commented on his participation on the men’s varsity basketball team as being definitive to his time at Houghton, having had a “camaraderie that is hard to replace.” He has been played on the basketball team since freshman year and attributes this part of involvement as having been influential to relationships he has made and the support he looks to as he prepares for graduation.
O’Brien is a business major with a Bible minor and thanks the business department for giving him direction. He said, “professors go out of their way to help you, give insight to the future and opportunities, and stretch you to try new things.” To use the time spent at Houghton to the fullest, O’Brien said to “cast a broad net, and then narrow your interests to the things that you will enjoy the most.”
Alice Browning, a senior political science major with self-designed minors in human trafficking and supply chains and community development in an international context says that Houghton has influenced her world perspective. Although her identity has stayed the same throughout her time as a student, Browning said, “I have been challenged to view the world in a more flexible and permeable way.”
An important aspect of Browning’s Houghton experience includes the time she has spent being able to explore many interests. She said that she has learned that it is more important to “define the greater questions rather than being concerned with finding the answers.” Next year Browning is planning on working with the Wesley Corps in Buffalo in helping with the resettlement of refugees.
Julian Cook, a senior studying religion and music describes Houghton as a place dedicated to self-discovery. His experiences have greatly influenced his decision to attend Boston University of Theology in the fall and of pastoring, teaching, and leading in the future. Cook has found the connection between his interests and said he sees the “value in traditional Christianity to not neglect questioning” as well as appreciating the “musician as a prophet and minister.” In looking back, Cook says to “endure past the questioning and get involved.”
Coming from a family of music teachers, senior music education major Maribeth Olsen said she initially chose Houghton for the way she fit into the music program. Olsen said she has truly appreciated the ability to pursue activities outside of her major. This summer Olsen will have the chance to be a Highlander leader and is excited for this opportunity to interact with Houghton students after graduating.
As her time at Houghton draws to an end, Olsen has found it helpful to make a bucket list. Her list includes the mundane and arguably for her the most rewarding, including: completing a Star crossword, getting on stage, sitting with Coach Smalley in chapel, going to Higgins’ Hole, and visiting the Red Barn. Olsen is currently applying for various teaching positions and her search,” seeks small communities similar in their reciprocity to Houghton.”
For senior Sarah Jacoby, a double major in religion and humanities, off-campus programs have played a significant role in defining her passions and interests. Jacoby spent a semester abroad during her freshman year as a participant in the London Honors Program. She also participated in the City Semester Program in Buffalo for the spring semester of her junior year. Both of these opportunities were “valuable and practical in making connections within [her] majors.”
Jacoby is hoping to work with Wesley Corps next year as well as other non-profit organizations in the future before attending graduate school. With the approaching opportunities and possibilities, Jacoby looked back on the relationships she has formed at Houghton and said, “I have found people that I can return to – strong networks of people who are excited about my life.”
Senior Nathan White, having majored in intercultural studies with a double concentration in linguistics and TESOL, will be heading to Thailand this summer to do a graduate study in Linguistics. While overseas, White will also be doing TESOL work and language development with people in “helping them to value their heart language.”
Entering Houghton as a transfer, White has found it to be a place where “intelligence and faith have a beautiful collision.” He commented on his growth as an individual, not being afraid of the uncomfortable, embracing the awkward, and learning to be whole. White attributes these qualities to those he has interacted with, including his host family in Tanzania, professors, and friends. White said, “There are classrooms everywhere. Behind every face there are glorious stories.”