When I was shopping around for my desired college, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted. I knew I wanted to become a Theatre Educator. I knew that I didn’t have unlimited funds. I wasn’t necessarily looking for a Christian college, but that didn’t make the search any easier. Upon discovering Northwestern and following through after the application process, I hoped that the feeling of comfort I had would be backed up with validity. I’m ecstatic to say that the hope that grew all the way until I came to be a student was not only backed, but blown out of the water!
As far as expectations go for college, I can say for certain that I didn’t have very high expectations simply because I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to expect. However, upon entering my post-secondary education, I realized that there were certain standards that must be upheld in any honorable academic institution. It must have professors who are passionate about what they’re teaching and who love waking up every day to teach. It must have academics that live up to the standards set by others who came before. An academic institution should be filled with different interests, allowing a wide range of cultural students to attend. If it is a Christian institution, it must be committed to discipling students from every kind of background to live their best life for Christ while teaching them how to disciple others in their daily lives.
The general education classes alone show that this school is unlike the others. The activities offered here express how much the college wants students to be involved and makes me feel at home while furthering my academic career. The professors teach their respective academics with a drive and a commitment to do it to the best of their ability. The classes and majors offer a possible range from the far end of the STEM spectrum almost all the way to the end of the Fine Arts spectrum. And in every person who walks the halls of the buildings here lives the Spirit of God.
One of my favorite things about NW and one of the biggest reasons I decided to come was its theatre department and purpose: to build a sense of community within all aspects of theatre, emphasizing how every role is equally important. NW’s theatre department has a strong mission to place every role in a production on a level field, showing that any production, presentation, etc. is not possible without everyone who works on it.
NW is the encouraging, uplifting and realistic Christian atmosphere that dwells here in everyone who attends. As you walk around campus, it is clearly seen how the people here, students and faculty alike, gladly help you through anything you’re struggling with. Finding a person or group of people to grow close to becomes easy and comfortable. The faculty and staff are always willing to welcome you into their offices or workspaces to have a conversation – wanting to create a personal bond. Within everyone I meet, I see the ideal example of what being Christ-like is and how people exemplify being made in God’s image. I came to NW for a worthwhile education. However, it is also becoming a second home.
