West RD Seth Currier adn wife Erin will soon leave Northwestern to teach English in China.
West Hall has had many changes throughout the years. Built in 1981, West has been a women’s dorm and a men’s dorm. It has also had an exterior wing (Westenga). This year, West will say goodbye to their RD of four years, Seth Currier.
Seth was hired four years ago after graduating from Spring Arbor University in Michigan with degrees in philosophy and religion. Because of his love for residence life, he applied for positions all over the country, but felt God’s calling to accept the position of RD at Northwestern. Two years into his position, Seth married his girlfriend of four years, Erin. Erin, who had graduated a year after Seth, worked for a year before moving to Orange City. Though the distance was hard, both Seth and Erin agree that it was best for their relationship. Seth was able to settle into his position as RD, and Erin was able to adjust to life after college.
Seth and Erin married in the summer of 2009, and together they have enjoyed living in community. In fact, the Curriers have become “community minded” since living here and have decided that they want to continue living in community, no matter where they go.
“Being an RD has challenged me to see what community could be and what it should be,” Seth said. “Spiritually, it has been incredible to invest in others and be invested in. It’s the best job in the world.”
Erin echoed her husband’s statement. “There is so much accountability for our marriage. We are always being asked questions and watched. The accountability is good for both our marriage and our spiritual lives.”
Erin has enjoyed living and working in the Northwestern community. Last year, she took on the position of AmeriCorps Vista Coordinator, bridging the gap between community organizations and the school and students as volunteers. “It is really fulfilling when community organizations call me and say, ‘We need three people to do childcare this weekend, can you help us?’ And for the most part, we can always find students willing to volunteer,” Erin said. She has always been geared toward using her skills and abilities with and for nonprofits. “I love the relationship aspect of it.”
Though sad to leave, the Curriers are excited to begin a new chapter of their lives. In May, Seth will finish his master’s degree in spiritual formation and leadership. They will then move to China in August to teach English. Knowing that they wanted to go abroad, Seth and Erin began a search for the right opportunity. Through many twists and turns, they were led to this opportunity—one that they are excited about and at peace with. “We are going to this specific place, partly because of the community,” Seth said.
After fulfilling their one-year requirement, the Curriers will re-evaluate the direction in which they are headed. “There are countless opportunities,” Erin said.
Three-year West resident Jacob Vander Ploeg echoed Seth’s sentiments about his departure. “I am excited for them. It is sad, but I am excited to see what will happen in West.” Jacob has enjoyed having Seth as an RD and friend and has appreciated Erin’s openness to call West “home.”
“Not many women live in men’s dorms,” Erin said with a laugh. “But I have so many great memories.” Both Seth and Erin have enjoyed the late-night conversations, the activities, the friendships and the cooking experiences they have had with the guys of West.
“We are going to miss everything about this place,” said Seth. “The guys in the dorm are amazing. But I’m excited for our future and for the future of West Hall.”