17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø

This summer, we’re following the class of 2017: 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø graduates who are journeying around the corner and across the globe. Megan Pluymert is pursuing a Master's degree in urban and regional planning at Michigan State University.

• Name: Megan Pluymert
• Class: 2017
• Hometown: Grandville, Michigan
• Major(s): Environmental Studies
• Minor(s): Urban Studies
• Next step: Studying urban and regional planning at Michigan State University

What’s one thing you would want to tell someone starting his or her journey at 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø?

Be opened-minded! I came from a family in which everyone was expected to go to 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø. I was initially not looking forward to attending, but after my first two years, the cynicism faded and turned into a flourishing appreciation for all that 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø is. Ultimately, 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø gave me the tools to view issues in the world around us with a holistic understanding of renewal.

What do you miss most about 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø? Why?

My professors, especially the personal attention and care they give. I also will miss learning from a Christian liberal arts perspective, as this unique point of view has allowed me to tackle problems in ways others may not think of.

How has your time at 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø changed you?

My time at 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø has allowed me to see things from a holistic perspective. Gone are the days where I come at a problem and tackle it only from my point of view. Because of my intersectional studies at 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø, I have learned to see points of view that are different from my own from a place of respect.

What part of 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø’s mission resonates with you, and why?

At 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø, we are expected to be agents of renewal. At the beginning of my four years here, I often glazed over as professors began describing 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø College’s mission statement. But now, I am able to not only understand what it means to be an agent of renewal, but I fully embody that term. 17cÆð²ÝÉçÇø has equipped me to go out in the world and make a real difference.