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From Adversity to Opportunity: Why 17c�� was the right choice for Ryan Reynolds

msk23@calvin.edu — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:12:59 +0000

From Adversity to Opportunity: Why 17c�� was the right choice for Ryan Reynolds msk23@calvin.edu Tue, 01/06/2026 - 13:12

At the age of five Ryan Reynolds lost his birth family and entered into the foster care system in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Over the course of the next dozen or so years, he says “I lost literally everything: family, belongings, and confidence.”

An unstable home environment full of verbal, mental, and physical abuse, led to Reynolds running away, attempting suicide twice, and spending time in jail and in a mental health facility.

He was looking for a way out and saw a career in baseball as his only viable option. “So, I put my head down and pursued baseball,” said Reynolds.

Making a life-changing decision

But, in July of 2022, “I was forced to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua,” recalls Reynolds.

While he didn’t go willingly, the trip ended up being life changing “I gave my life to Jesus,” said Reynolds.

While he returned to the United States with a newfound hope, the forces opposing him didn’t lighten up. But though the hardships kept coming, he found a path to play baseball at a small private college in the heart of Kentucky.

Facing more adversity

Unfortunately that path closed quickly. Just a few months in, Reynolds tore his ACL.

As he considered other paths forward, he discovered Ohio Christian University and started to have conversations with coaches and players there. With no place to call home and no money to his name, one conversation in particular with the captain of the team piqued his interest.

“He told me about Camp Geneva, about its mission, and that it gives you free housing,” said Reynolds. “So, I reached out and got an interview and as soon as I was accepted, I moved to Michigan.”

Ryan Reynolds (front row second from left) served on the Camp Geneva summer staff in 2025.

Heading in the right direction

Little did Reynolds know that that move would open yet another door. When donors to Camp Geneva and 17c�� heard about Reynolds’ story, they worked together to find a way to pay for his first year at 17c��.

“I came to Michigan with nothing to my name,” said Reynolds. “I was fully on my own. I had no idea how to navigate life.”

Adjusting to the rigors of college took some time and getting mononucleosis halfway through the semester added another challenge, but Reynolds discovered something mostly foreign to him his entire life—a community committed to supporting him.

Discovering a sense of belonging

One of those supporters, English professor Jennifer Holberg, took it upon herself to become more of an informal advisor.

“She’s played a huge role in my overall success as a student as she was willing to meet me where I was and work with me through the hurdles that came along,” said Reynolds. “She poured into me, helped me set up the schedule I have now, and helped me find confidence in myself.”

Reynolds interacts with Owen Hayes, a friend and classmate in Professor Holberg's class.

Reynolds has also discovered true friendships, especially on the baseball team.

“The first day we had a meeting as a full team and Coach Schipper asked me to share my testimony. Since then, we’ve been practicing every day and it’s a family environment,” said Reynolds.

“Ryan came into our program carrying a very difficult past that could have pushed him away from trusting others, yet he chose to show up with humility, grit, and a willingness to grow. I'm grateful he's part of our team because of the authenticity he brings every day,” said Joel Schipper, head coach of the 17c�� men's baseball team. “It's been meaningful to see our guys rally around him and form a genuine community of support, accountability, and belonging.”

Living into his calling

While Reynolds is starting to understand what a healthy family feels like, he also understands the importance of sharing his story.

“That’s what God’s calling me to as I have a very unique story,” said Reynolds. “It’s not my story. I’m a vessel for God. He brought me through so much. Everyone is caught up in the pressures of life, but our God is so much bigger than the problems we face.”

Reynolds says he’s committed to pursuing full-time ministry and baseball now has its proper place.

Reynolds is on 17c��'s baseball team.

“Baseball was my little “g” god. Now, it’s my platform,” said Reynolds.

And he is grateful for the roles the communities of Camp Geneva and 17c�� have played in his story.

“Being at Camp Geneva changed my life, and 17c�� is building on it,” said Reynolds. “God opened the doors of 17c�� for me in a very powerful way. I’ve found the true meaning of family through my teammates and coaches and even my professors and classmates. I’ve found my family and my sense of belonging here.”

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - 12:00

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First-gen student discovering purpose and community at 17c��

msk23@calvin.edu — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:18:19 +0000

First-gen student discovering purpose and community at 17c�� msk23@calvin.edu Tue, 11/11/2025 - 13:18

Judith Mukamurenzi ‘27 is a junior at 17c��, majoring in finance and marketing and minoring in ministry leadership. As a first-generation college student, she’s aiming to be the first in her immediate family to earn a four-year college degree.

Now in her third year at 17c��, Mukamurenzi reflects back on the barriers she initially faced when she was deciding on which college to attend, the support she’s received along the way, and how she’s not just pursuing a degree at 17c��, but on a journey to discover her God-given purpose.

When you were considering colleges, what was the biggest barrier you faced?

The biggest barrier I faced was financial. My family couldn’t afford to send me to college, but I believed that if I did my part, God would make a way. I worked hard all through high school, giving my best and trusting God to handle the rest, which He did. I saw education as more than just my future, it was a way to create new possibilities for my family, and that’s what kept me going.

Why did you choose to come to 17c��? How did 17c�� help you overcome that barrier?

17c�� checked every box I was praying for. I was looking for a school that would support me financially and help me grow spiritually. 17c�� provided both. I received a generous financial aid package that made it possible for me to attend, and I found a Christ-centered community that has poured into me in ways I didn’t expect. 17c�� didn’t just give me access to higher education; It’s also a place where I am growing in my faith, purpose, and calling.

What's something that's surprised you so far about your 17c�� experience?

What’s surprised me most is how much you grow as a person beyond the classroom. 17c��’s liberal arts approach challenges you to think deeply and see life from different perspectives. My professors and peers have encouraged me to ask hard questions, stay grounded in my faith, and see learning as a journey that shapes both the mind and the heart.

How have you been supported during your time at 17c��?

I have been supported in so many ways. TRIO Student Support Services was a big part of my first-year experience. Even though I took dual enrollment courses in high school, being a full-time college student was completely new. TRIO guided me through that transition and helped me believe in myself when things felt unfamiliar. Their mentorship inspired me to become a TRIO ambassador so I could give back to other students who are just beginning their college journey.

How have you gotten involved and found community here?

Community is one of my favorite parts of 17c��. I have had the chance to serve as the community outreach director for the African Student Association, which allowed me to celebrate culture and connect with others who share similar roots. I was also part of the ministry leadership cohort, where I grew in faith and learned what it means to serve with others who love God. My friends and I even started a prayer group where we encourage and uplift one another. And now, as a Nexus financial coach, I get to combine everything I am passionate about: faith, finance, and mentorship, by walking alongside students in their financial and spiritual growth.

Would you recommend 17c�� to other first-generation students? Why?

Absolutely. 17c�� has an amazing community for first-generation students that feels like family. Through programs like TRIO and 17c�� First, I have met people who understand the unique challenges we face and who genuinely want to see us succeed. The support here is real. You are surrounded by people who believe in you, pray for you, and celebrate your wins. As a first-generation student, that means everything. 17c�� is not just a place to earn a degree, it is a place to be transformed, to grow in faith, and to discover the purpose God placed within you.

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - 12:00

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Student finding place at 17c�� and in Air National Guard

msk23@calvin.edu — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:09:03 +0000

Student finding place at 17c�� and in Air National Guard msk23@calvin.edu Mon, 11/10/2025 - 15:09

When Jared Genthner ‘29 graduated from high school in 2024, he knew where he was going to college.

“As soon as I did the tour of campus it stood out to me that this is the place I wanted to go,” said Genthner.

But while Genthner knew he was heading to 17c��, he also envisioned a career in the Air National Guard.

“I wanted to take opportunities into my own hands when they came my way and the Air National Guard was something that stood out to me, especially since my uncle was already trying to recruit us cousins for years,” said Genthner.

Doing both

Fortunately for Genthner, he didn’t have to choose between the two. He discovered a path to do both. Upon graduating from Jackson High School, Genthner spent the next year doing all of his training for the Air National Guard, which included spending six months in Mississippi.

Now, as a first-year student at 17c��, he’s found his rhythm, which includes taking a full load of classes and then going to base in Battle Creek, Michigan one weekend a month and then somewhere nationally or internationally for two weeks each summer.

“Both 17c�� and the Air National Guard have been helpful in making this possible for me,” said Genthner. “I’ve had a lot of support from the Registrar’s office and a lot of understanding from teachers and staff to allow me to have both on my plate at the same time.”

Discovering community

At 17c��, Genthner, who is majoring in environmental studies with a focus in geography, is preparing to work somewhere in the realm of forestry and conservation science. While he is appreciative of how 17c�� is preparing him for a future career, he’s most impressed with how quickly he’s found community.

“Something I’ve been so surprised by is how quickly I’ve found my own community, not just in one place, but in so many,” said Genthner. “As I’ve seen the year progress, communities have also progressed. In making connections, I’ve found that my friends know each other’s friends. It’s really cool to see how God works through all of us.”

In choosing a college, Genther said finding a place that would encourage him to grow in his faith was also important. It’s one of the reasons he applied to the Ministry Leadership Cohort.

“It’s been a great way to grow in my faith and also to have a community right from the start,” said Genthner. “We take classes together and we eat lunch together, and it’s a good time.”

And coming from a small town, Onondaga, whose population is no more than the size of 17c��’s student body, Genthner especially appreciates the diversity of people and perspectives he’s encountering at 17c��.

“It’s really rewarding to see how people from all sorts of places and different walks of life and with varying perspectives can connect,” said Genthner. “It’s allowed me to grow personally.”

Feeling well supported

While Genthner’s 17c�� and Air National Guard journeys are just getting off the ground, he’s appreciative of how the 17c�� community has supported him along the way.

“They’ve [17c��] been really helpful. Even in the summer, I was getting emails once a week just checking in and I’ve been able to work with lots of people who are helping me and supporting me,” said Genthner. “I’d say 17c�� is a very veteran friendly place."

Monday, November 10, 2025 - 12:00

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First-gen student finds support and belonging at 17c��

msk23@calvin.edu — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:47:35 +0000

First-gen student finds support and belonging at 17c�� msk23@calvin.edu Wed, 11/05/2025 - 10:47

Elaina El-Khoury ‘27 is studying operations and supply chain management & business analytics at 17c��. El-Khoury, who hails from Lebanon, is a first-generation college student, meaning she’s aiming to be the first in her immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Now in her junior year, El-Khoury reflects back on the challenges she faced as a first-gen student, the support she’s received along the way, and the rewarding journey she’s been on over the past few years.

When you were considering college, what was the biggest barrier you faced?

When I was thinking about college, the hardest part was figuring everything out on my own and making sure it was financially possible. There wasn’t really a clear roadmap for me, so I had to take the time to learn about applications, scholarships, and what options were realistic. It was a lot to manage, but it helped me grow more independent and resourceful.

How did 17c�� help you overcome that barrier? Why did you choose 17c��?

Before I became a 17c�� student, during my senior year of high school, I visited campus several times and immediately noticed the strong sense of community. Everyone I met was welcoming and genuine, which made 17c�� feel like a place where I could truly belong. As a first-generation student, I didn’t always know what to expect from college, but 17c�� had a very supportive and welcoming environment (admissions team, financial advisors, mentors) which made the transition feel less overwhelming. They helped me find the resources I needed, answered every question I had concerning finances and transition, which made me feel more prepared and confident to take the big next step.

I also would like to add faith. When I moved from Lebanon to the U.S., I still had a strong faith, but I found it harder to stay consistent with prayer and church. Coming to 17c�� helped me reconnect and grow spiritually. Through chapel, Bible studies, and the people I met here, I felt encouraged to live out my faith more openly. Even though I come from a different denomination, I’ve always felt included and supported. Being part of this community has helped me grow closer to God and continually strengthen my faith throughout my journey at 17c��.

What's something that's surprised you so far about your 17c�� experience?

One of the things I really appreciate about 17c�� is its diversity, not only among students but also in the way different majors and disciplines connect with one another. I find it amazing how everything here feels interconnected. We’re encouraged to learn beyond our own majors, which helps us become more aware, well-rounded, and thoughtful. I love that 17c�� continues to grow in this way, and it’s exciting to be part of a community that values both academic connection and personal growth.

How have you been supported during your time at 17c��?

I’ve been supported in so many ways here at 17c��. In the beginning, even though I’ve always been a talkative person, it was hard for me to open up and ask for help, whether it was about navigating classes and assignments or dealing with personal and social challenges. Over time, I realized how strong the community around me is. Through TRIO, the first-gen program, and groups like CISD, I found people who understood what I was going through. Being surrounded by students who shared similar experiences helped me let my guard down and feel comfortable asking for help. It’s made a big difference to know I’m not alone, that there are people who truly listen, support, and guide you rather than just saying, “It’ll get better.”

How have you gotten involved and found community here?

It definitely wasn’t easy to find a community where I felt like I truly fit in. Navigating that part of college was tough, but I kept pushing myself to get involved in different student orgs, clubs, and leadership roles to see where I felt most at ease. For about two years, I was in and out of friend groups and organizations, and honestly, it was a challenging process. But by God’s grace and through a lot of prayer, I’ve finally found where I belong. I’m now surrounded by people who uplift me and make me feel genuinely comfortable. It’s been a journey, but through it all, I’ve learned what’s best for me and where I’m meant to be.

Would you recommend 17c�� to other first-gen students? Why?

Definitely yes!!! I didn’t really know what “first-gen” meant before I came to 17c��, but 17c�� has shown me how meaningful it is to be one. There’s a strong sense of support and pride in being part of the first-gen community here. Through programs like TRIO and First-Gen Connect, I’ve met people who understand my experiences and genuinely want to see me succeed. 17c�� celebrates that part of who we are and provides the resources, mentorship, and encouragement that help first-gen students not just adjust but truly thrive.

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - 12:00

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Why I chose 17c�� in 2025

msk23@calvin.edu — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:39:43 +0000

Why I chose 17c�� in 2025 msk23@calvin.edu Fri, 08/29/2025 - 12:39

The fall semester at 17c�� is officially underway. Students from dozens of high schools across west Michigan, more than 130 cities across the state, and dozens of countries spanning six continents are now on campus for the 2025-2026 academic year. The 17c�� student body now represents 3,600 students from 48 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, and more than 60 countries around the world.

As the incoming class of 1,000-plus students begins their time at 17c�� this fall, we asked seven students from Michigan, the Midwest, and across the world, all majoring in different areas of study, why they chose 17c�� and what they are most excited about as they begin their college journey.

How did 17c�� come on your radar?

Bidengy Jean Louis (Haiti): To be honest, there was a competition between my brother and I of choosing a college. I always do research about 17c��, and he would do research about another college, and we would sometimes argue about that, talk about whose college is better. I tell him my college is better because of the community and the Christian environment they have around them and how they get along with each other.

Sophia Nelson (Youngstown, Ohio): My mom went here, so I heard about it a bunch from her and I decided to take a look at it and go to the admitted students day and it was really cool and they were really intentional about getting to know me and make sure that I was comfortable with being here.

Olivia Klomp (Crete, Illinois): Through my high school counselor. He went here, so he was really pushing it.

Kyla Johnson (Byron Center, Michigan): My mom went here, my grandma went here, my great grandma went here, and my great, great grandma went here. So, I’m a fifth-generation woman at 17c��, so I heard about it from family and specifically from my sister she was like you should totally go here.

Sam Deutschmann (Byron Center, Michigan): I first heard about 17c�� from my mom, she went here for her masters, and she loved it. She loved the community. She loved getting to meet a whole bunch of new people.

What was the tipping point?

Philip Kirkpatrick (Hutchinson, Minnesota): I think the campus visit did a lot. I really liked the smaller atmosphere and not feeling like you’re getting lost, it’s near family, and I like the area.

Junseo Kweon (South Korea): The financial aid and the Christian environment.

Sophia: Based on all the schools I was looking at, 17c�� had more of a community feel and it just really felt like if I needed something here, I wasn’t just a number, I was someone they care about and someone that they want to thrive.

Olivia: I chose 17c�� because it has a five-year program where you graduate with your masters and also I just love the Christian community.

Kyla: I chose 17c�� because I love the graphic design program and am really excited about that and my sister had gone here and she told me how great of a school it was, that she loved it and thought it was amazing. I also chose it because of the really great community.

Sam: It really came down to scholarships. That was the big thing. 17c�� gave me more scholarships than any other school did.

What are you most excited about?

Olivia: I’m just excited to meet new people and take classes that actually interest me.

Sam: I’m most excited for meeting new people and getting to experience the medical programs and all the science programs here.

Junseo: I’m excited to meet some new professors, take new classes, and also for other activities outside of the campus.

Bidengy: I am always excited about everything, excited to get involved in the club soccer team, excited to make new friends, and get to know more of 17c�� and the other students.

Sophia: I’m really excited to look more into my major, so taking all the political science classes. I think that’s what I’m most excited about, learning more about what I want to do.

Philip: I’m excited to spread my wings a bit, try some new things, be on my own.

Friday, August 29, 2025 - 12:00

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Left to right: Bidengy Jean Louis (international business) and Junseo Kweon (computer science) are first-year students at 17c��.

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Q&A with Entrada grad Kwesi Abban

msk23@calvin.edu — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:00:38 +0000

Q&A with Entrada grad Kwesi Abban msk23@calvin.edu Thu, 07/31/2025 - 16:00

Kwesi Abban (KG) ’29 is from Germantown, Maryland. When he was choosing a college, he relied on the recommendation of his sister and one of her friends who both had positive experiences at 17c��. He said the fact that the university was Christian-based and strong in computer science were key factors in his decision to enroll.

Incentivized by the possibility of a $4,000 renewable scholarship and the ability to better understand how rigorous college coursework would be, Abban signed up for a preview of college: the Entrada Scholars Program.

What is your greatest takeaway from this experience?

How as a Christian community, most people share similar values.

Because of Entrada, I feel more confident in …

I feel more confident in myself and how I will do in college.

How would you have felt had you not had this experience before college?

I would have felt very nervous. Honestly, I thought about this, I tried thinking about what it would have been like if I didn’t do this Entrada thing. I think I would have been very nervous about college, wondering how I am going to do this, where I would need to go if I needed help and all that.

What's your experience with professors been like?

My professor was wonderful. She was always ready to help and would even stay two hours after class. Yesterday, I needed my laptop for the final and I left it in the classroom, and she was still there. She was great.

How have you experienced community?

I like a quiet community and coming to 17c�� this is the best place. This is where I fit in because it’s quiet and it’s peaceful. No one is going to judge you or criticize you for anything, they all care about you. When someone is feeling sad or something is going on, you are going to have someone who is going to approach you and talk to you.

Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 12:00

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In 2025, Kwesi Abban begins his studies in computer science at 17c��.

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Q&A with Entrada grad Emma Rodriguez

msk23@calvin.edu — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:57:27 +0000

Q&A with Entrada grad Emma Rodriguez msk23@calvin.edu Thu, 07/31/2025 - 15:57

Emma Rodriguez ’29 is from Bloomingdale, Illinois. While 17c�� wasn’t initially on her college wish list, she said “through word of mouth” she was convinced she needed to give it a look. While she didn’t think she’d end up at 17c��, she paid a visit and said she had a gut feeling that “this is it, this is home.”

Craving finding community early on, she enrolled in the Entrada Scholars Program and calls the monthlong college immersion experience a win-win. “I made friends, and I get a renewable scholarship.”

How has your view of college changed since attending Entrada?

I feel like everyone’s first inkling about college is from movies—it all looks so exciting and that’s what I was hoping it would be. My parents said it would be nothing like the movies, that it was going to be super hard, and I’d need to work a lot. Then, when I came here, I discovered that my parents were right, but the movies were also accurate. It can be both. You just have to manage your time well.

I can go to events, make new friends, while still studying and doing well in class. I learned when to say no to things and when it was worth it to say yes. It’s a balance.

What is your greatest takeaway from this experience?

I’m not as alone as I thought I was in my faith. I found it hard to find teens my age who believe the same thing and have the same core values and views in the world. At the end of my senior year of high school I was kind of losing hope. I wondered are there really other people who believe the same things I do?

I found that there are people here that are so full of this fire for God and have such wisdom and are really mature and there are people out there like me who I can relate to and talk to. I couldn’t see it because I was stuck in my own community, but now I’m here and there are people like me all over the place. I’ve heard so many different stories of students from different countries and states, so while it felt like we were alone, when you put us all in this place it becomes much easier to see the bigger picture. We didn’t know who each other was last month, but now we are such a tight-knit group. I now feel hope again for my generation.

Because of Entrada, I feel more confident in …

Myself, and my ability to do hard things. And this covers a broad range of things, from asking for help from my peers to not being afraid to dive into something new.

How would you have felt had you not had this experience before college?

I don’t even want to think about it. I would have been so confused.

The program plus the RAs (resident assistants), who have a lot in common as they were in our position just a year or two prior, do a really good job of holding our hands, showing us how to prepare for the fall. The academic coaching is also a good refresher on how to take notes, how to do well in classes. This experience has been an easy win into college and now I’ll come back in a few weeks, with all of this fresh on my mind. It’s nice to have someone help you take that first step into college when you know nothing about it.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I think that they should make expand Entrada and open up more spots for people. I wish that every college student coming to 17c�� had this kind of experience. Entrada is more than a class, it’s building a mindset, learning new skills, making all these friends—friendships that are only a few weeks old, but I feel will last a lifetime.

Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 12:00

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Beginning in 2025, Emma Rodriguez is excited to study fine arts and business at 17c��.

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Q&A with Entrada grad Yohana Yigezu

msk23@calvin.edu — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:53:51 +0000

Q&A with Entrada grad Yohana Yigezu msk23@calvin.edu Thu, 07/31/2025 - 15:53

Yohana Yigezu ’29 is from Cairo, Egypt. While she never visited campus before deciding on coming to 17c��, she had plenty of positive feedback from those at her church, who she says, “are almost all alumni from 17c��.”

Her first visit came in July 2025 during the Entrada Scholars Program. She said that one-month college immersion experience gave her time to “not only prepare for college life, but also to experience living in the U.S. for the first time.

How has your view of college changed since attending Entrada?

It’s changed because everyone tells you it’s a lot of work, a lot of time management –But when you experience it, it is different. So, in navigating that you see that ‘oh wow, I need to step up my game for college.’ I was scared to make new friends, take new courses, but I realized it’s not as scary as I thought it would be. In high school you hear people say that no one will help you in college and that you’re on your own, but in the Entrada program I had a lot more support than what I was expecting.

What’s your experience been like with professors?

Coming here and professors saying ‘you can call me by my first name’ or ‘here’s snacks for you to share while we study’ or them opening up office hours to spend time with you wasn’t something I was used to. I grew up in an educational environment with clear lines between teacher and student. But here, I’ve found there to be an element of friendship and care that I really like.

What is your greatest takeaway from this experience?

My greatest takeaway would be “do it scared” – I think there’s so many new things I had to do and learn that I was scared or nervous about, but those 30 seconds of fear before meeting a new person, that 20 minutes of learning a new thing you were scared to admit you didn’t know is not even comparable to what I ended up learning or friendships I ended up making. It was worth it. Putting myself out there, doing it scared, gave me a much greater reward.

Because of Entrada, I feel more confident in …

I feel more confident in coming to university and starting in the fall. I think that if I hadn’t done Entrada, had to start all of my classes all at once, to not know where everything is, and to experience living in the U.S. for the first time, that would have been much scarier for me.

Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 12:00

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In 2025, Yohana Yigezu begins her studies in civil engineering at 17c��.

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Q&A with Entrada grad Rayn Rutley

msk23@calvin.edu — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:50:23 +0000

Q&A with Entrada grad Rayn Rutley msk23@calvin.edu Thu, 07/31/2025 - 15:50

Rayn Rutley ’29 is from Fenton, Michigan. When she was a senior in high school, 17c�� came on her radar. As she started to dive deeper into her college search, she discovered a sense of community at 17c�� and got the sense that the university cared holistically for its students.

So, this summer, she decided to get a taste of the college experience through the Entrada Scholars Program. Not used to being away from home, she wanted to move out of her comfort zone. Her lived experience at 17c�� over the past month confirmed that her decision to attend this fall was the right one.

How has your view of college changed since attending Entrada?

I feel like through Entrada it’s taught me the value of having self-discipline, especially with time management and knowing where you should prioritize certain activities vs. yourself. It’s also helped me get a feel for what college is actually going to be like.

What is your greatest takeaway from this experience?

I would say my greatest takeaway was the friends that I made and also the memories I got to create with other people. I also learned how to socialize and put myself out there with people I’m not as comfortable with or know as well.

Because of Entrada, I feel more confident in …

Socializing with other people, I also feel more confident in my work ethic and what I need to do to be a good citizen in society and also just being more confident in my foundation in Christ.

How have you grown in your relationship with Christ?

My faith is a big aspect of my life and so I wanted to be able to know that going on into college that God would still be the center of my life, even in my education. And receiving an education with that lens would also help me to surrender my academics and how I do in school to God. I have definitely seen the sense of community that I was looking for here. I think people push you to be better and hold you to a standard of being a Christian and what that actually means and challenge you to know that for yourself.

How would you have felt had you not had this experience before college?

I feel like I would have felt very unprepared, and I would have a lack of understanding of what it means to be independent and to balance your social, academic, and athletic life.

Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 12:00

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Beginning in 2025, Rayn Rutley is excited to begin her studies in exercise science and kinesiology at 17c��.

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Q&A with Entrada grad Landon Dykema

msk23@calvin.edu — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:45:17 +0000

Q&A with Entrada grad Landon Dykema msk23@calvin.edu Thu, 07/31/2025 - 15:45

Landon Dykema ’29 is from Hudsonville, Michigan. His dad went to 17c��. His mom went to Hope. Making his college decision process even more complicated is that in his words “both schools have fantastic pre-med programs.” So, he had a tough decision. So, he visited both schools.

And the visit made all the difference. “When I visited Hope, the scenery was nice, but I didn’t feel that family aspect that I did at 17c��.”

This summer, Dykema jumped into the college experience through the Entrada Scholars Program—earning college credits and a renewable $4,000 scholarship in the process.

What is your greatest takeaway from this experience?

I came into this just looking forward to money [scholarship] and class credit, but I made friendships and relationships that I’ll have for the rest of my life. And I know going into this school year I don’t have to be worried about who I’m going to meet. Yes, I’ll meet new people, but I’ll have friends to go to in my first week of school as a rock, and I also grew a lot in my faith throughout Entrada and I’m reading my Bible a lot more, because there’s a drive, everyone here cares so deeply that it makes you want to feel that same feeling. God has really spoken to me through everyone here.

Because of Entrada, I feel more confident in …

My ability to spread joy. I think through both meeting new people and learning more about Jesus Christ I saw that there’s a lot of love that goes around and especially in different cultures. Learning about different cultures allows you to grow and kind of express your willingness to learn new things, and I think that joy comes with that because it brings joy spending time with people. Humans like to communicate, we like to spend time with others, and I’ve done a lot of that during my time in Entrada and that’s brought me a lot of joy and I’m better capable of spreading joy to other people now.

How would you have felt had you not had this experience before college?

I would have been terrified because I was already nervous going into Entrada and that’s just a month, so I can’t imagine thinking about a whole year where I’d be jumping right into the deep end. But now I’ve gotten this gradual increase into college where I know what the campus looks like, I know a lot of people, I know kind of how the coursework lines up and different tests, exams, so I feel much more prepared and ready for college now and I’m not anxious or stressed because I’ve learned God will provide and He will straighten my paths even if I’m worried. I’m definitely more confident now.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I think definitely a lot of people, including myself, were kind of wanting it just to be over early on, and as time went by it started moving too quickly. Hold on, hold on, I don’t want to leave yet. It was kind of switch over. I was open to meeting new people, open to new activities. In beginning, I wanted to get home to my family, to my girlfriend, now it’s like ‘wow, this is already over?’ Just take advantage of all the opportunities you get for whole group activities, individual with other people study times, those are times where you grow with people. And if you are just secluding yourself, you won’t get that sense of family that Entrada is.

Thursday, July 31, 2025 - 12:00

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In 2025, Landon Dykema will begin studying pre-med and playing volleyball at 17c��.

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admissions

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