Outcomes / en A Safe Place to Stretch: How Meg Pheifer Found Her Calling at 17c起草社区 /stories/safe-place-stretch-how-meg-pheifer-found-her-calling-calvin <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">A Safe Place to Stretch: How Meg Pheifer Found Her Calling at 17c起草社区 </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>msk23@calvin.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-05-13T14:10:48-04:00" title="Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 14:10" class="datetime">Wed, 05/13/2026 - 14:10</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Meg Pheifer 鈥26</strong> is stepping into the world with clarity, courage, and a calling that stretches far beyond herself. After graduation, she鈥檚 heading to Bangkok, Thailand, to work with International Justice Mission, an opportunity that reflects not just what she鈥檚 learned, but who she鈥檚 become.&nbsp;</p><p>But Pheifer didn鈥檛 arrive at 17c起草社区 with that path fully mapped out. In fact, like many students, she came with questions.</p><h3>Why She Chose 17c起草社区</h3><p>For much of high school, Meg thought she would pursue a career in medicine. But something shifted during an AP history class.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淚 just loved it,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t was so interesting, I thought, what if I studied this?鈥&nbsp;</p><p>That curiosity led her to consider a different path, one that others sometimes questioned for its practicality. But Pheifer saw something more. She wanted a place that would help her explore big questions about humanity, purpose, and the world.&nbsp;</p><p>17c起草社区 stood out.&nbsp;</p><p>With its strong liberal arts tradition and Christ-centered approach, she believed it would challenge her to think deeply and help her discover how a passion for history could translate into a meaningful life.</p><h3>Experiences That Shaped Her</h3><p>At 17c起草社区, Pheifer's understanding of history quickly expanded.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淚t鈥檚 so much less about memorizing people and events,鈥 she explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about patterns of human existence, the human story.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>That shift became a turning point.&nbsp;</p><p>She arrived as a <a href="/majors-programs/history-major-minor">history major</a> with a <a href="/majors-programs/political-science-major-minor">political science minor</a> already in mind, drawn to how systems and policies shape people鈥檚 lives. But one of the most unexpected moments came later, when she discovered something she hadn鈥檛 even known existed: an <a href="/majors-programs/urban-studies-minor">urban studies minor</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Thanks to flexible advising and 17c起草社区鈥檚 interdisciplinary approach, she was able to add the minor just before her junior year and complete it in only two years.&nbsp;</p><p>That addition proved pivotal.&nbsp;</p><p>Through her coursework, Pheifer began connecting history to modern systems, injustice, and public policy in deeper, more tangible ways. She learned not just to study the past, but to apply it, asking better questions about the present and imagining better futures.&nbsp;</p><p>Her academic journey didn鈥檛 just sharpen her thinking; it reshaped how she saw people.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淚t鈥檚 given me a deeper sense of human dignity and compassion,鈥 she says. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned to listen well, to understand others鈥 stories, and to share them.鈥</p><h3>How She Grew Personally</h3><p>Faith played a central role in Pheifer's experience but not in the way some might expect.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淎t 17c起草社区, faith is rich, but not forced,鈥 she explains. 鈥淧rofessors create space for real dialogue. You鈥檙e encouraged to think deeply, to wrestle, to grow.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>That openness helped Pheifer expand her understanding of Christianity. Through chapel, campus ministries, and especially her involvement in the gospel choir, she encountered expressions of faith that stretched her perspective.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淢y horizons have been radically expanded,鈥 she says. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned what it means to be part of a global Church.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>One of the most meaningful aspects of her time at 17c起草社区 was discovering that faith and learning aren鈥檛 separate, they inform each other. And <em>that</em> integration helped her begin asking a deeper question:&nbsp;</p><p><em>What is God calling me to?</em>&nbsp;</p><h3>Experiential Learning</h3><p>Pheifer didn鈥檛 just learn in the classroom, she lived her education.</p><p>Through three May-term and semester abroad experiences, she studied in France, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. Each trip added a new layer to her understanding of the world.</p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/MegPheiferwithfriendsatCalvinUniversitygraduation.jpg?itok=tBEMnrC8" width="1090" height="545" alt="Meg Pheifer and three other 17c起草社区 grads" class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> <p>鈥淚鈥檝e left pieces of my heart in different places,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 taught me that home can be many places.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>These experiences pushed her toward cultural humility, helping her recognize her own assumptions while embracing the beauty and complexity of other cultures.&nbsp;</p><p>Back on campus, Pheifer immersed herself in student life. She served as an orientation leader for three years, participated in gospel choir, and leaned into leadership opportunities across campus.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淚t can be overwhelming,鈥 she admits. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 worth it. 17c起草社区 isn鈥檛 just about academics, it鈥檚 about becoming a whole person.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>That鈥檚 where another turning point emerged: realizing college isn鈥檛 meant to be transactional.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about getting a degree and a job,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about formation, who you鈥檙e becoming.鈥</p><h3>Where She Is Now</h3><p>Today, Pheifer stands ready to take on a global role working in Thailand with a nonprofit focused on justice.&nbsp;</p><p>It鈥檚 a bold step. One that requires courage, adaptability, and a willingness to step into the unknown.&nbsp;</p><p>But she feels prepared.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥17c起草社区 gave me the confidence to try new things,鈥 she says. 鈥淚鈥檝e been stretched here. I know I can go out into the world and not just endure but thrive.鈥</p><h3>What Made 17c起草社区 Unique</h3><p>When Pheifer reflects on her experience, one phrase comes to mind:&nbsp;</p><p><em>A safe place to stretch.</em>&nbsp;</p><p>17c起草社区 offered her both support and challenge, a community that cared deeply while pushing her to grow.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淵ou can do 17c起草社区 safely,鈥 she says. 鈥淥r you can do it adventurously. And the adventurous way is always better.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>Her advice to prospective students?&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淕et involved. Build relationships. Try new things. If all you do is go to class and go home, you鈥檙e missing it.鈥</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-publish-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Wednesday, May 13, 2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="/stories/safe-place-stretch-how-meg-pheifer-found-her-calling-calvin" data-a2a-title="A Safe Place to Stretch: How Meg Pheifer Found Her Calling at 17c起草社区 "><a href="#" class="a2a_button_facebook"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Facebook</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_twitter"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Twitter</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_linkedin"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on LinkedIn</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_email"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Email</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_print"><span class="a2a_label">Print this</span></a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/664" hreflang="en">Outcomes</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News type</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">News and Stories</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-featured field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Featured</div> <div class="field__item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-feature-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Feature image</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/MegPheiferCalvinUniversity.jpg?itok=R4arDCnd" width="1090" height="545" alt="Meg Pheifer holding diploma from 17c起草社区" class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-related-news field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Related news</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/stories/when-doors-opened-wider-alyssa-pokharel-ever-imagined" hreflang="en"> When doors opened wider than Alyssa Pokharel ever imagined </a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/stories/finding-calling-serves-others-luke-harlows-journey-calvin" hreflang="en">Finding a Calling That Serves Others: Luke Harlow鈥檚 Journey at 17c起草社区</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/stories/writing-her-future-help-professors" hreflang="en">Writing Her Future with the Help of Professors&nbsp;</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-type field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Story Type</div> <div class="field__item">Student story</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-person field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author(s)</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/john-zimmerman" hreflang="en">John Zimmerman</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Related departments and units</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/academics/school-humanities-arts-and-social-sciences" hreflang="en">School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/historical-studies" hreflang="en">Historical Studies</a></div> </div> </div> Wed, 13 May 2026 18:10:48 +0000 msk23@calvin.edu 40781 at From Classroom to Career: How Experiential Learning Shaped Sofie Schumerth鈥檚 Engineering Path /stories/classroom-career-how-experiential-learning-shaped-sofie-schumerths-engineering-path <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">From Classroom to Career: How Experiential Learning Shaped Sofie Schumerth鈥檚 Engineering Path </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>msk23@calvin.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-05-12T14:01:26-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - 14:01" class="datetime">Tue, 05/12/2026 - 14:01</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>When <strong>Sofie Schumerth 鈥26</strong> graduates this May, she鈥檒l walk away with an <a href="/academics/school-stem/engineering">engineering degree</a> and a clear next step. Just weeks later, she鈥檒l move to Denver, Colorado, to launch her career with Muller Engineering Company.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淚f you told me four years ago this is where I鈥檇 be, I would have thought it sounded like a dream,鈥 said Schumerth. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 have known how it was going to happen.鈥&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>The path Schumerth started on in the fall of 2022 would make this destination possible. From Appleton, Wisconsin, she had applied to four Midwest schools. A rigorous engineering education and the opportunity to run cross country were of utmost importance in her selection. A strong scholarship package and a standout campus visit helped make the decision clear. She chose 17c起草社区.</p><h3>Discovering engineering as a way to serve</h3><p>From her first engineering class, Schumerth sensed she was in the right place. While she had always loved math, hands-on problem solving, and designing solutions, 17c起草社区鈥檚 Engineering 101 course reframed her understanding of what engineering could be.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淓ngineering 101 was the first time that I started thinking of engineering as a service profession, and that made it more exciting to me,鈥 said Schumerth. 鈥淚 could really see myself diving into the mathematical component and also being able to help people.鈥&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>For Schumerth that is where the seeds got initially planted. Over the next few years, she鈥檚 seen how those seeds have blossomed.</p><h3>Learning by doing, guided by faculty</h3><p>As Schumerth progressed through the engineering program, she was exposed to all major concentrations. She said that breadth helped her build a strong knowledge base while she discerned where her interests and skills aligned best.</p><figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/SofieSchumerthEngineering17c起草社区seniorproject.jpg?itok=jA6RqaOj" width="1090" height="545" alt="Sofie Schumerth and four fellow peers in engineering" class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> <figcaption>Sofie Schumerth (second from right) and four fellow civil engineering majors developed construction鈥憆eady design solutions for a local church鈥檚 parking lot for their senior design project.</figcaption> </figure> <p>A turning point for her came in her hydraulics courses taught by Professor Wildschut.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淪he is really passionate about stormwater,鈥 said Schumerth. 鈥淪eeing her passion come through made me realize that this is the kind of work that I want to go into鈥攂uilding a career path towards stormwater management and floodplain remediation. Those courses kind of put me on that path.鈥&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>While her professors instilled passion, they also helped solidify concepts through hands-on learning experiences. Early courses reinforced concepts through labs, while upper-level classes became increasingly project-based with students being asked to solve complex, real-world problems using what they had learned.</p><h3>Connected to opportunities beyond the classroom</h3><p>While Schumerth鈥檚 professors integrated experiential learning opportunities into the regular coursework cadence, they also connected her to many opportunities beyond the classroom.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Schumerth studied engineering abroad in Germany after her first year, conducted research during her sophomore year (with a paper currently under review by a major journal), and completed an internship in her field this past summer (which has led to continued part-time work during her final year at 17c起草社区). &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>She also served as an intern with the 17c起草社区 Energy Recovery Fund, where she helped install a solar array on campus and contributed to efficiency upgrades to university facilities.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Perhaps most impactful was the professional connection that shaped her post-graduation plans.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淧rofessor Wildschut connected me with a 17c起草社区 alum, who then connected me with their company,鈥 said Schumerth. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 how I ended up with the position I鈥檓 starting this summer.鈥</p><h3>Graduating with more than a degree</h3><p>As Schumerth prepares to head out west to begin her career, she leaves 17c起草社区 with far more than technical knowledge in her field. &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>She leaves with friendships formed through cross country and her major, a love for the outdoors cultivated through outdoor recreation opportunities, and enduring relationships with professors who became mentors, advocates, and friends.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Schumerth鈥檚 story reflects a broader truth about engineering education at 17c起草社区: when rigorous academics are paired with experiential learning, faculty mentorship, and real鈥憌orld opportunities, students graduate both ready to serve and lead.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-publish-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-12T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="/stories/classroom-career-how-experiential-learning-shaped-sofie-schumerths-engineering-path" data-a2a-title="From Classroom to Career: How Experiential Learning Shaped Sofie Schumerth鈥檚 Engineering Path "><a href="#" class="a2a_button_facebook"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Facebook</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_twitter"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Twitter</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_linkedin"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on LinkedIn</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_email"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Email</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_print"><span class="a2a_label">Print this</span></a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/664" hreflang="en">Outcomes</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News type</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">News and Stories</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-featured field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Featured</div> <div class="field__item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-feature-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Feature image</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/SofieSchumerthCalvinUniversitysolarpanels.jpg?itok=MeLJRgrc" width="1090" height="545" alt="Sofie Schumerth helps install solar panels on roof at 17c起草社区" class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-related-news field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Related news</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/stories/intimidated-industry-ready-how-calvins-civil-engineering-seniors-graduated-confident-and" hreflang="en">From intimidated to industry-ready: How 17c起草社区鈥檚 civil engineering seniors graduated confident and with job offers </a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/stories/students-lead-largest-campus-solar-project-date" hreflang="en">Students lead largest on-campus solar project to date</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/stories/aero-engineering-takes-fall-calvin-university" hreflang="en">Aero engineering takes off this fall at 17c起草社区 </a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-type field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Story Type</div> <div class="field__item">Student story</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-person field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author(s)</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/matthew-kucinski" hreflang="en">Matthew Kucinski</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Related departments and units</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/academics/school-stem" hreflang="en">School of STEM</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/academics/school-stem/engineering" hreflang="en">Engineering</a></div> </div> </div> Tue, 12 May 2026 18:01:26 +0000 msk23@calvin.edu 40772 at When doors opened wider than Alyssa Pokharel ever imagined /stories/when-doors-opened-wider-alyssa-pokharel-ever-imagined <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> When doors opened wider than Alyssa Pokharel ever imagined </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>msk23@calvin.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-05-12T13:33:40-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - 13:33" class="datetime">Tue, 05/12/2026 - 13:33</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>When Alyssa Pokharel was five years old, she told her parents she was going to 17c起草社区.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淢y mom went to 17c起草社区, and I grew up hearing stories of how transformational it was for her,鈥 said Pokharel, who is from Nepal. 鈥淪he found the Lord there and was mentored deeply by so many good people.鈥</p><h3>Wrestling with her decision</h3><p>Years later, when it came time to apply to college, some family friends wondered if she was aiming too low. They encouraged her to apply to Harvard or other Ivy League schools鈥攑laces they believed would open more doors.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淚 remember wondering 鈥榮hould I?鈥欌 said Pokharel. 鈥溾業s choosing 17c起草社区 settling for something that鈥檚 reachable?鈥欌&nbsp;</p><p>As she weighed her options, Pokharel returned to a formative experience from her sophomore year of high school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she participated virtually in 17c起草社区鈥檚 Young Women鈥檚 Business Institute, which offered her a glimpse of what college learning at 17c起草社区 could look like. There, she encountered an academic environment where intellectual rigor and Christian faith were not in competition, but deeply connected.</p><h3>Discovering clarity</h3><p lang="EN-US">鈥淭he more I thought about 17c起草社区 and other schools, the more I kept coming back to the beauty of being able to be formed with such a robust faith foundation and that is what fuels your academic pursuit鈥攖he idea that your faith is what propels you into wanting to learn these things and being curious,鈥 said Pokharel.&nbsp;</p><p>With that clarity, Pokharel made the decision to go to 17c起草社区. But one significant obstacle remained: immigration.</p><h3>Overcoming an obstacle</h3><p lang="EN-US">At the height of the pandemic-related backlogs, Pokharel was initially told that the earliest available visa interview date was four years away鈥攅ffectively closing the doors to her plans.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淚 remember praying, 鈥榠f it is your will, God, will you open the door?鈥 recalls Pokharel.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Then, unexpectedly, the embassy contacted her and scheduled an interview in time for her to begin college.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淚t was so God. Truly a miracle,鈥 said Pokharel, who is double majoring in <a href="/philosophy">philosophy</a> and <a href="/psychology">psychology</a> with a <a href="/majors-programs/psychology-major-bs-neuroscience-concentration">neuroscience concentration</a>.</p><h3>Opening the door to many opportunities</h3><p lang="EN-US">It wasn鈥檛 long before she understood the significance of that moment. With the door to 17c起草社区 open, countless opportunities lay ahead.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>From her first year, Pokharel immersed herself in campus life. She served on <a href="https://www.calvinsenate.org/">student senate</a>, joined the <a href="/majors-programs/ministry-leadership-cohort">ministry leadership cohort</a>, danced in <a href="/student-organizations/rangeela">Rangeela</a>, and worked for admissions as a tour guide. Over the next couple of years, she became a <a href="/campus-ministries/leadership-opportunities">Barnabas</a> in her residence hall, a lab teaching assistant, an orientation assistant, and a leader in <a href="/student-organizations/psychology-club">Psych Club</a>. &nbsp;</p><p>She conducted research projects with two professors, presented at conferences, and got connected to scholars working at the intersection of spirituality and healthcare. She also started a weekly prayer gathering, and, this year, serves as 17c起草社区鈥檚 student body president.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淲hen people ask me if 17c起草社区 is what I thought it would be, I always tell them, it鈥檚 better,鈥 said Pokharel.</p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/AlyssaPokharelCalvinUniversityGraduate.jpg?itok=u7gHAjGw" width="1090" height="545" alt="Alyssa Pokharel graduates from 17c起草社区" class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> <h3>Making connections</h3><p lang="EN-US">Not only because of the amount of opportunities, she explains, but because of the people who helped guide her toward them.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淚 really flourish in small, tight-knit communities where I know people and they know me, and I think 17c起草社区 has been so great for that,鈥 said Pokharel. 鈥淎t 17c起草社区, I鈥檝e had the ability to receive mentorship and develop close relationships with professors who have poured into me and who have reached out about things they didn鈥檛 have to.鈥&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>She credits her academic adviser in particular for helping connect her with internships and research presentation opportunities.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淚鈥檓 not sure I鈥檇 get that at a larger or more prestigious school,鈥 said Pokharel. &nbsp;<br>鈥淓verything at 17c起草社区 seems collaborative. We鈥檙e seeking the collective good.鈥</p><h3>Equipped for what鈥檚 next</h3><p lang="EN-US">After graduation, Pokharel will complete an internship at Indiana University Medical School as she applies to graduate programs in psychology. Her long-term goal is to integrate what she鈥檚 learned in philosophy about cultivating flourishing in communities with her training in mental health.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to work in the field of mental health,鈥 said Pokharel. 鈥淚 grew up in a community where it was stigmatized, and I saw people around me struggling. I love people, and I鈥檓 fascinated by how they think and act, but also by how one person鈥檚 struggle can affect an entire community.鈥&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>Through her experience at 17c起草社区, Pokharel says, she has been equipped to pursue this passion of working to help create healthier communities.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-publish-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-12T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="/stories/when-doors-opened-wider-alyssa-pokharel-ever-imagined" data-a2a-title=" When doors opened wider than Alyssa Pokharel ever imagined "><a href="#" class="a2a_button_facebook"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Facebook</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_twitter"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Twitter</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_linkedin"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on LinkedIn</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_email"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Email</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_print"><span class="a2a_label">Print this</span></a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/664" hreflang="en">Outcomes</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News type</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">News and Stories</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-featured field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Featured</div> <div class="field__item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-feature-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Feature image</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/AlyssaPokharelCalvinUniversityStudentCommencementAddress.jpg?itok=7ImgDy79" width="1090" height="545" alt="Alyssa Pokharel" class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-feature-image-caption field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div>Feature image caption</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>On Saturday, May 9, Alyssa Pokharel </em><a href="https://youtu.be/eQHb394uLaI?t=1910"><em>provided remarks</em></a><em> to the Class of 2026 during their Commencement ceremony.</em></p></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-type field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Story Type</div> <div class="field__item">Student story</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-person field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author(s)</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/matthew-kucinski" hreflang="en">Matthew Kucinski</a></div> </div> </div> Tue, 12 May 2026 17:33:40 +0000 msk23@calvin.edu 40770 at Encouraged to Excel: How 17c起草社区 Shaped Alyssa Scholten into a Leader in Pediatric Care /stories/encouraged-excel-how-calvin-shaped-alyssa-scholten-leader-pediatric-care <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Encouraged to Excel: How 17c起草社区 Shaped Alyssa Scholten into a Leader in Pediatric Care</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>spt6@calvin.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-05-12T10:22:44-04:00" title="Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - 10:22" class="datetime">Tue, 05/12/2026 - 10:22</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Alyssa Scholten 鈥18</strong> has always cared deeply about people. What 17c起草社区 added was the courage and competence to turn that care into action.</p><p>As a pediatric speech-language pathologist at Helen DeVos Children鈥檚 Hospital, Scholten works with some of the most vulnerable patients and families. In a hospital setting, she helps children find their voice, supports safe feeding and swallowing, and walks alongside families in some of their most emotional, high-stakes moments. Beyond the bedside, she contributes to research that advances patient care and mentors the next generation of clinicians, all while approaching her work as a form of ministry.</p><p>It鈥檚 demanding work, but it鈥檚 something Scholten thrives in. That didn鈥檛 happen by accident.</p><p>At 17c起草社区, Scholten was encouraged to step outside her comfort zone by being challenged academically, invited into research, and mentored by faculty who saw her potential before she fully saw it herself.&nbsp;</p><p>Those experiences didn鈥檛 just prepare her for a career. They shaped how she leads, serves, and gives back.</p><h3>A Decision That Changed Everything</h3><p>Scholten didn鈥檛 plan to attend 17c起草社区. &nbsp;In fact, she had verbally committed to another college to play volleyball. Then, almost by accident, she attended a 17c起草社区 volleyball camp. Just 鈥渆xtra swings,鈥 she figured.</p><p>But something unexpected happened. &nbsp;鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 the facilities or the program,鈥 Scholten says. 鈥淚t was the people.鈥</p><p>17c起草社区 players, one of them a Division III Player of the Year, treated her like a friend, not a recruit. She asked about her life. Her faith. The ways she had seen God at work.</p><p>鈥淭hey saw me as more than an athlete. More than a potential roster spot,鈥 she says. 鈥淭hey saw me as a person.鈥</p><p>In that moment, Scholten felt something rare: valued not for what she could do, but for who she was.</p><h3>Community That Shapes You</h3><p>That sense of being known didn鈥檛 stop after her first visit. At 17c起草社区, Scholten found deep community in two places: <a href="/athletics" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="1a5edc18-c342-452f-97d7-6bf16e83317d" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Athletics">athletics</a> and the <a href="/academics/school-health/speech-pathology-and-audiology" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="42e6139e-b876-497c-9983-aa5063e63271" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Speech Pathology and Audiology">speech pathology department.</a></p><p>Volleyball gave her lifelong friendships. Friends who would later stand beside her at weddings, become godparents, and remain anchors in her faith. But just as influential were her professors, who blurred the line between instructor, mentor, and spiritual guide.</p><p>鈥淭hese weren鈥檛 just professors teaching content,鈥 Scholten says. 鈥淭hey prayed for me. They walked with me. And they stayed in my life long after graduation.鈥</p><p>Over time, those relationships helped Scholten begin to see how her love for people and her academic work could come together.</p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/Alyssa%20Scholten-clinicals_Anna%20Gernant.png?itok=O1qtJdhG" width="1080" height="608" alt="Alyssa Scholten-clinicals_Anna Gernant" class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> <h3>Vocation, Lived Out</h3><p>17c起草社区 talks often about vocation. Scholten admits it didn鈥檛 resonate at first. That changed when professors pushed her to think differently about work, not as a title or a paycheck, but as a form of service.</p><p>Now, in pediatric acute care at Helen DeVos Children鈥檚 Hospital, that idea is no longer theoretical. It鈥檚 daily practice.</p><p>鈥淔eeding is sacred,鈥 Scholten says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 emotional. It鈥檚 relational. Scripture is full of food imagery, the Bread of Life, the wedding feast, living water. To walk alongside a mother feeding her baby for the first time? &nbsp;That鈥檚 holy work.鈥</p><p>Even when she can鈥檛 speak openly about faith, Scholten lives it through excellence, humility, and the way she dignifies patients and families in their most vulnerable moments.</p><p>And thanks to her mentors who insisted she stretch, ask questions, and pursue research she wasn鈥檛 sure she was ready for, Scholten鈥檚 care is not only compassionate but transformative.</p><h3>Mentors Who Open Doors</h3><p>In 17c起草社区鈥檚 speech pathology program, faculty saw both Scholten鈥檚 drive and her heart for people and pushed her to develop the skills to serve them well. Professors <a href="/people/elizabeth-oommen" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="3c7f7bf5-1b8b-4bdc-a5e4-1e897b5a67de" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Elizabeth Oommen">Beth Oommen</a> and <a href="/people/brian-m-kreisman" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6ec4143a-c4bf-4201-b8e2-1c18b5e7538a" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Brian M Kreisman">Brian Kreisman</a> encouraged Scholten to pursue a graduate thesis, an intimidating challenge that required navigating research design, institutional review boards, and data collection.</p><p>鈥淎t first, I thought, 鈥榮ure, why not,鈥欌 Scholten recalls. 鈥淏ut once I was actually in it, I realized how much confidence it gave me.鈥</p><p>That confidence stayed with her, and it was reinforced through 17c起草社区鈥檚 hands-on clinical preparation. Alongside rigorous coursework and research, Scholten began working with patients early through 17c起草社区鈥檚 on-campus clinic and completed full-time externships in hospitals, rehabilitation settings, and public schools.</p><p>Through those combined experiences, she learned how to ask better questions, evaluate evidence, and translate learning into better care, skills she uses daily in her work at Helen DeVos Children鈥檚 Hospital.&nbsp;</p><p>At the hospital, she leads and contributes to research projects that directly improve feeding outcomes for medically complex children, including patients requiring full ventilator support.</p><p>鈥淲hat felt overwhelming at the time became foundational,鈥 she says. 鈥17c起草社区 made research feel accessible, and paired with clinical experience, it prepared me to step into my job with confidence.鈥</p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/Alyssa%20Scholten-calvin_Anna%20Gernant.png?itok=yLkMhVzU" width="1080" height="608" alt="Alyssa Scholten-calvin_Anna Gernant" class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> <h3>What Made 17c起草社区 Different</h3><p>For Scholten, 17c起草社区鈥檚 difference wasn鈥檛 one program or one professor; it was an ecosystem.</p><p>A place where:<br>鈥&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Faculty formed relationships, not just r茅sum茅s<br>鈥&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Faith was practiced, not just discussed<br>鈥&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Excellence and service were inseparable<br>鈥&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Students were prepared for real work with real impact</p><p>鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 be a speech pathologist without 17c起草社区,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 have this job. And I wouldn鈥檛 be living this calling.</p><h3>A Call to Future Students</h3><p>Scholten鈥檚 advice to students considering speech pathology or 17c起草社区?</p><p>鈥淒on鈥檛 settle,鈥 she says. 鈥淵our first job doesn鈥檛 have to be your last. But don鈥檛 stop until you find work that sets your soul on fire.鈥</p><p>She pauses, then adds:</p><p>鈥淭here are jobs where you can love what you do years in. And there are places that help you become who God created you to be.鈥</p><p>For Alyssa Scholten, that place was 17c起草社区. And the work she does now is proof.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-publish-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Monday, June 1, 2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="/stories/encouraged-excel-how-calvin-shaped-alyssa-scholten-leader-pediatric-care" data-a2a-title="Encouraged to Excel: How 17c起草社区 Shaped Alyssa Scholten into a Leader in Pediatric Care"><a href="#" class="a2a_button_facebook"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Facebook</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_twitter"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Twitter</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_linkedin"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on LinkedIn</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_email"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Email</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_print"><span class="a2a_label">Print this</span></a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/664" hreflang="en">Outcomes</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News type</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">News and Stories</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-featured field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Featured</div> <div class="field__item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-feature-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Feature image</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/Alyssa%20Scholten-header%20image_Anna%20Gernant.png?itok=JRnw1ZH6" width="1090" height="545" alt="Alyssa Scholten-header" class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-person field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author(s)</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/anna-gernant" hreflang="en">Anna Gernant</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Related departments and units</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/academics/school-health/speech-pathology-and-audiology" hreflang="en">Speech Pathology and Audiology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/academics/school-stem" hreflang="en">School of STEM</a></div> </div> </div> Tue, 12 May 2026 14:22:44 +0000 spt6@calvin.edu 40766 at Cancer survivor, 17c起草社区 student-athlete to graduate Saturday after remarkable journey of faith, perseverance /stories/cancer-survivor-calvin-student-athlete-graduate-saturday-after-remarkable-journey-faith <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Cancer survivor, 17c起草社区 student-athlete to graduate Saturday after remarkable journey of faith, perseverance</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>ld39@calvin.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-05-07T14:56:01-04:00" title="Thursday, May 7, 2026 - 14:56" class="datetime">Thu, 05/07/2026 - 14:56</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Eight months ago, Colin Jambekar was sitting through chemotherapy treatments that lasted up to seven hours a day while trying to keep pace with a demanding civil engineering course load.</p><p>This Saturday, he will walk across the commencement stage at 17c起草社区 as a college graduate, cancer survivor, and conference champion student-athlete.</p><p><a href="https://calvinknights.com/news/2026/5/7/mens-track-and-field-senior-graduation-special-a-jambekar-javelin-journey.aspx">Read an extended version of this story</a></p><p>The native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, came to 17c起草社区 for its nationally respected engineering program and continued his athletic career as a javelin thrower on the university鈥檚 <a href="https://calvinknights.com/sports/mens-track-and-field">track and field team</a>. After steadily improving during his first three collegiate seasons, Jambekar entered the fall of 2025 poised for a breakthrough senior year.</p><p>Then came an unexpected diagnosis.</p><p>After discovering abnormalities during a self-exam in late August, Jambekar sought medical attention and was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Doctors later discovered the cancer had spread into his lymph nodes, leading to surgery followed by three rounds of chemotherapy.</p><p>鈥淚t鈥檚 shocking at first,鈥 said Jambekar. 鈥淚t forces you on your knees to pray and I prayed a lot.鈥</p><p>Throughout treatment, Jambekar continued pursuing his degree while traveling regularly to Detroit for chemotherapy infusions. He credits 17c起草社区 faculty and staff for helping him navigate one of the most difficult seasons of his life.</p><p>鈥淢y professors were great,鈥 said Jambekar. 鈥淚 would not be graduating from 17c起草社区 without their help. My engineering professors helped me work ahead. They were willing to work around my medical treatments and helped with my time management.鈥</p><p>The treatments came with immense physical and emotional challenges. Jambekar lost weight, strength, and stamina while also dealing with anxiety and post-traumatic stress tied to his cancer treatments.</p><p>鈥淭here is a psychological part of the battle,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 kept telling myself that it wasn鈥檛 about me. It was about glorifying God through my struggles.鈥</p><p>This spring, Jambekar returned to competition for the 17c起草社区 track and field team after nearly 11 months away from competition. At the 2026 MIAA Championships, he delivered a career-best javelin throw of 49.08 meters while helping 17c起草社区 capture the conference title.</p><p>The moment became even more meaningful because he competed alongside his younger brother, Lucas, who won the conference championship in the event.</p><p>鈥淕etting to watch Colin overcome everything and find joy in the performance was something right out of a movie,鈥 said 17c起草社区 associate head coach Jacob Graham.</p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/Colin-Jambekar-calvin.jpg?itok=F38_26CX" width="1090" height="727" alt="Colin Jambekar is about to release the javelin at a track and field competition, wearing a 17c起草社区 jersey, with fans cheering in the background." class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> <p>17c起草社区 head coach Adam Haldorson said Jambekar鈥檚 impact extended far beyond athletics.</p><p>鈥淗e wanted to use his diagnosis to find a way to make other people鈥檚 lives better and further God鈥檚 kingdom by showing God鈥檚 grace and glory through his hardships,鈥 said Haldorson. 鈥淗e鈥檚 been a great ambassador for people that one day will go through this cancer journey.鈥</p><p>Jambekar completed his <a href="/academics/school-stem/engineering" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="df27d56d-db0f-4187-b767-c574db5c74b3" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Engineering">engineering</a> senior design project this spring and has accepted a position with Anchor Construction in Grand Rapids following graduation.</p><p>Now considered cancer free, he continues follow-up appointments with doctors but faces the future with confidence grounded in faith.</p><p>鈥淚 know that God is in control and that His will is perfect,鈥 said Jambekar. 鈥淭hat brings me peace and the confidence to live for Him moving forward.鈥</p><p><a href="/commencement" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="dbf7db90-b0a2-4ae6-bb9b-08b96c384f94" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Commencement">Commencement</a> ceremonies for 17c起草社区 will take place at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 9.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-publish-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-07T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Thursday, May 7, 2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="/stories/cancer-survivor-calvin-student-athlete-graduate-saturday-after-remarkable-journey-faith" data-a2a-title="Cancer survivor, 17c起草社区 student-athlete to graduate Saturday after remarkable journey of faith, perseverance"><a href="#" class="a2a_button_facebook"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Facebook</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_twitter"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Twitter</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_linkedin"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on LinkedIn</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_email"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Email</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_print"><span class="a2a_label">Print this</span></a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/664" hreflang="en">Outcomes</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News type</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">News and Stories</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-featured field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Featured</div> <div class="field__item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-feature-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Feature image</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/Colin-Jambekar-Track-and-Field-Media-Day-2024-189.jpg?itok=NIeYBlpQ" width="1090" height="545" alt="Colin Jambekar poses with a serious, competitive face, wearing a 17c起草社区 track and field jersey and holding a javelin." class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-type field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Story Type</div> <div class="field__item">Student story</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-person field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author(s)</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/john-zimmerman" hreflang="en">John Zimmerman</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Related departments and units</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/academics/school-stem/engineering" hreflang="en">Engineering</a></div> </div> </div> Thu, 07 May 2026 18:56:01 +0000 ld39@calvin.edu 40723 at Finding a Calling That Serves Others: Luke Harlow鈥檚 Journey at 17c起草社区 /stories/finding-calling-serves-others-luke-harlows-journey-calvin <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Finding a Calling That Serves Others: Luke Harlow鈥檚 Journey at 17c起草社区</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>ld39@calvin.edu</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-05-01T09:07:57-04:00" title="Friday, May 1, 2026 - 09:07" class="datetime">Fri, 05/01/2026 - 09:07</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Because 17c起草社区 was always close to home, Luke Harlow 鈥26 assumed he already knew everything he needed to know about it.&nbsp;</p><p>What he didn鈥檛 expect was just how much more there would be to discover.&nbsp;</p><p>Now, preparing to graduate, that early assumption feels almost ironic.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淚t鈥檚 honestly kind of sad,鈥 Harlow reflects. 鈥淚 feel like I鈥檓 just now scratching the surface of everything 17c起草社区 has to offer right as I鈥檓 about to leave.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>That sense of surprise didn鈥檛 come from one defining moment. It took shape slowly as Harlow was encouraged by his professors to partner on research opportunities, apply for externships, and travel abroad to experience medical practices in different cultural contexts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3>When Curiosity Is Taken Seriously&nbsp;</h3><p>Harlow arrived at 17c起草社区 intending to study psychology. He knew he wanted to help people, but he wasn't sure how that would come to fruition. Then one organic chemistry class in his sophomore year sparked the conversation.&nbsp;</p><p>After the course, a professor noticed how fully Harlow engaged with the material and pulled him aside.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淚f you want to be a chemistry major, it鈥檚 only a few more classes,鈥 Harlow was told.&nbsp;</p><p>It wasn鈥檛 a directive. It was an invitation.&nbsp;</p><p>Professors like <a href="/people/donald-tellinghuisen" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="132c4f16-6628-4818-be2c-bdb67bdff8cc" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Donald Tellinghuisen">Donald Tellinghuisen</a> in psychology and <a href="/people/chad-tatko" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="038a2acb-aa33-4b58-94dc-eddafd778053" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Chad Tatko">Chad Tatko</a> in chemistry consistently approached Luke that way鈥攁sking questions, naming strengths, and helping him see connections between disciplines instead of forcing him to choose between them.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>That pattern of someone noticing his curiosity and then making space for it defined Harlow鈥檚 academic experience.&nbsp;</p><h3>Learning That Keeps Expanding&nbsp;</h3><p>As Harlow leaned into exploration, his learning moved well beyond the classroom.&nbsp;</p><p>Through the <a href="/clean-water-institute" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f3438ab9-9353-4d35-8255-0dabb0404fef" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Clean Water Institute">Clean Water Institute</a>, he became involved in applied research that connected environmental science to global health. What began as research alongside faculty eventually grew into leadership, as Harlow served as a teaching assistant and helped guide other students through lab work and data analysis.&nbsp;</p><p>Psychology followed a similar path. Research embedded in coursework opened doors to interdisciplinary projects Harlow never would have pursued on his own. In each case, professors recognized his curiosity and trustworthiness and invited him into meaningful work.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淭hose opportunities weren鈥檛 just about building a r茅sum茅,鈥 Harlow says. 鈥淭hey kept reshaping how I thought about learning鈥攍ike it was something living, not contained to a class.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>The deeper he went, the clearer it became: 17c起草社区 wasn鈥檛 something you could fully 鈥渇igure out鈥 from the outside. Its depth revealed itself through participation.</p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/Luke-Harlow-research.png?itok=st1vVk_5" width="720" height="405" alt="Luke Harlow with a cap with wires attached to it, supporting research at 17c起草社区." class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> <h3>A Turning Point in Nepal&nbsp;</h3><p>That realization reached a turning point in Nepal.&nbsp;</p><p>Harlow first learned about 17c起草社区鈥檚 May term in cross鈥慶ultural medicine early in college through <a href="/people/kumar-sinniah" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="fa8b93f7-903d-40db-b4ab-917ec0dd6fc8" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Kumar Sinniah">Dr. Kumar Sinniah.</a> Though eager to go, Harlow was encouraged to wait until after he had gained clinical experience so that the opportunity could truly take root.&nbsp;</p><p>By the time he traveled to Nepal, Harlow had spent significant time working at Pine Rest Psychiatric Hospital and later at Exalta Health, a nonprofit clinic serving uninsured and underinsured patients in the Grand Rapids area. Those experiences sharpened his awareness of how deeply health is shaped by access, culture, and community.&nbsp;</p><p>For a month, Harlow and other students were able to shadow physicians in rural mountain hospitals and in specialized clinics in major cities. Each day revealed what care looks like and what it demands.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淭hat experience really clarified things for me,鈥 he says. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 just about medicine anymore. It felt vocational.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>For the first time, Harlow felt faith, learning, and calling converge. Service to underserved communities wasn鈥檛 abstract, rather, it was becoming central to how he imagined his future. And with that clarity came a sharper sense of what he was looking for in medical school.&nbsp;</p><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/Luke-Harlow-nepal-collage.png?itok=_INso-ew" width="720" height="405" alt="A collage showing Luke Harlow with a physician in Nepal, and overlooking the mountains of Nepal under a cloudy sky." class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> <h3>MSU鈥檚 Early Assurance Program: Turning Calling into a Path&nbsp;</h3><p>That鈥檚 what made Michigan State University鈥檚 College of Human Medicine stand out. Its explicit focus on community鈥慶entered care, access for underserved populations, and training physicians to serve where the need is greatest mirrored what Harlow had seen firsthand and what 17c起草社区 had been shaping all along.&nbsp;</p><p>Through <a href="/pre-health/partnerships" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="d05d75aa-72b5-4f80-a9df-065c5e0adacf" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Partnerships">17c起草社区鈥檚 partnership with MSU</a>, Harlow applied to鈥攁nd was accepted into鈥攖he Early Assurance Program, a selective pathway that allows 17c起草社区 students to secure a future spot in medical school while finishing their undergraduate degree.&nbsp;</p><p>Now, as he prepares for graduation, Harlow sees his time at 17c起草社区 as formative in ways he couldn鈥檛 have predicted.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淚 thought I knew what 17c起草社区 was when I started,鈥 he says. 鈥淏ut every year, it surprised me.鈥&nbsp;</p><p>His advice to students considering 17c起草社区 is simple: don鈥檛 settle for the surface.&nbsp;</p><p>鈥淕et involved. Ask questions. Take ownership of your education,鈥 Harlow says. 鈥淪o much of what 17c起草社区 offers shows up once you step in and let people walk with you.鈥&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-publish-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-05-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">Friday, May 1, 2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="/stories/finding-calling-serves-others-luke-harlows-journey-calvin" data-a2a-title="Finding a Calling That Serves Others: Luke Harlow鈥檚 Journey at 17c起草社区"><a href="#" class="a2a_button_facebook"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Facebook</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_twitter"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Twitter</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_linkedin"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on LinkedIn</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_email"><span class="a2a_label">Share this on Email</span></a><a href="#" class="a2a_button_print"><span class="a2a_label">Print this</span></a></span> <div class="field field--name-field-provus-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Tags</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/664" hreflang="en">Outcomes</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News type</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">News and Stories</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-featured field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Featured</div> <div class="field__item">No</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-feature-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Feature image</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2026-05/Luke-Harlow-header-image.png?itok=1IzTCNBC" width="1090" height="545" alt="Luke Harlow stands by a whiteboard." class="image-style-wide"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-type field--type-list-string field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Story Type</div> <div class="field__item">Student story</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-person field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author(s)</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/people/anna-gernant" hreflang="en">Anna Gernant</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Related departments and units</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/psychology" hreflang="en">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/academics/school-stem/chemistry-and-biochemistry" hreflang="en">Chemistry and Biochemistry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/clean-water-institute" hreflang="en">Clean Water Institute</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/academics/school-health/pre-health" hreflang="en">Pre-Health</a></div> </div> </div> Fri, 01 May 2026 13:07:57 +0000 ld39@calvin.edu 40677 at