Top 10 Reasons Local Students Attend Goshen College
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: You can get a world-class education at Goshen College –– and you’ll probably end up changing the world for the better once you graduate. Of course, not every high school senior considers academic notoriety and alumni success stories when deciding where to spend some of the most life-changing years of their life. Really, many college-bound kids base their decision on whether or not the school in question can give them new experiences and prepare them for their dream job.
But in the city of Goshen, more and more local high schoolers are beginning to catch on to the fact they don’t have to travel across the country to get world-shifting experiences that prepare them for the workforce. In fact, they only have to travel down Main Street.
We interviewed three local Goshen College students about why they chose to become Maple Leafs. Their combined answers make up this list of the top 10 reasons locals choose to go to Goshen College.
It’s so close … yet so far
Sophomore biochemistry major Erin Bontrager, a graduate of Bethany Christian High School, says that she always wanted to go to a college that would allow her to meet new people and experience different cultures.
“I used to think that meant I had to get away,” said Erin. “But when I came to campus, I was so surprised. I feel like I’m getting that experience, but I’m living in the same place I have for the past 19 years.”
DID YOU KNOW?
You stay connected
As a student at Goshen High School, Lukas Thompson fell in love with music and theater.
“I was involved in men’s choir, advanced choir, Crimsonaires, musicals and plays,” said Lukas. “I did every opportunity available.”
Much of Lukas’ passion for performing arts was fueled by his highly supportive music teachers in high school. So when he decided to attend Goshen College to study music, Lukas was able to keep his connections with his formative high school community while also getting involved in music and theater on campus. And on top of that, his friends and family can attend every one of his performances without having to travel!
“It’s nice to keep in touch with [former] teachers and friends every now and again,” he said. “I love being close to my friends and family while furthering my education and making new friends as well. I feel like I’m where I’m meant to be.”
DID YOU KNOW?
You make new connections
Along with a rigorous class schedule to prepare for medical school, Erin is also involved in intramural sports and student life. By immersing herself in campus activities, Erin says she’s gained new perspectives.
“There are so many cultures and beliefs represented here, so it’s a great place to get different perspectives on issues. I’ve become a much more critical thinker since coming to Goshen.”
DID YOU KNOW?
You get big school opportunities
Karen Ramos, a college freshman, had planned to attend DePaul University in Chicago in order to eventually land a job in broadcasting –– but during her senior year at Goshen High School, a teacher found her an internship with Goshen College’s video production company FiveCore Media.
“I thought I was going to have to go to South Bend or something,” said Karen. “I couldn’t believe Goshen College had a video production company!”
The internship turned out to be life-changing for Karen. Not only did she learn new skills in broadcasting, she decided to attend Goshen College instead of DePaul. “Goshen College allowed me to be in the professional world before even graduating high school,” said Karen. “That semester made me so happy.”
DID YOU KNOW?
With small school attention
With a 10-to-1 student to faculty ratio, Goshen College students are able to form meaningful relationships with classmates and professors. That personal attention helped Karen decide that Goshen College was the right place for her.
“I really feel like I know my professors,” she said. “I love the people here, you can tell they really care about you. Campus is safe, it’s a happy place, it’s home.”
DID YOU KNOW?
You get better outcomes after graduation
Erin wants to be a pediatrician, so getting into medical school is top priority. Luckily, Goshen College offers a program to pre-med students that allows them to take their MCAT by the end of their junior year. That way, students have their entire senior year to apply to medical schools.
“I was talking to someone from a large state school, and he said he wished he had that,” said Erin. “I’m so grateful I have this opportunity.”
Pre-med students like Erin also have the opportunity to intern at a local hospital (luckily, there’s a top-notch one right across the street!) and to job shadow with physicians.
“It’s a good way to get more exposure while still in school,” said Erin. “It’s great because medical schools want to hear about you straight from a physician you’ve worked with. With Goshen’s program, the doctor really gets to know you.”
Goshen not only gives its medical students excellent preparation for the workforce, it gives those high-impact experiences to all students. With co-curricular experiences and internships available for every major, nearly every Goshen College grad lands a job after graduation. In fact, 95% of job-seeking Goshen College graduates from the class of 2015 were employed within one year after graduation.
DID YOU KNOW?
You get to travel the world
It’s no secret that Goshen College’s Study-Service Term (SST) is one of the best study abroad programs in the nation. Since 1968, Goshen College has been sending students to different countries –– from Peru to Cambodia to Tanzania, and beyond –– to study and serve alongside locals.
Approximately 80 percent of Goshen’s students participate in SST, making campus a place where global awareness is a way of life. Although none of the students we interviewed had gone on their SST experience yet, all were planning on going within the next three years. But well before they embark on that global voyage, students experience cultural differences on campus.
“The global citizen side of Goshen College really shines through in everything,” said Lukas, who is planning on going to Senegal during his junior year. “I’m more conscious of things now, more aware and involved in world issues.”
DID YOU KNOW?
You’re given endless opportunities
In order for Lukas to make music a career after graduation, experience is key. At Goshen, he is more able than ever to keep his schedule chock-full with performance art activities.
“Goshen has a great music program,” said Lukas. “There are so many things to get involved in. This year, I’m involved in Parables, choir, and men’s choir, and I’ve done musicals and plays too.”
Karen, too, continues to gain professional experience in broadcasting. As a first-year student, Karen is already station manager at The Correspondent, has a shift at the radio station, and plans to start working at FiveCore Media again soon.
“I could’ve studied broadcasting at DePaul, but I wanted to go to a school that would give me the best networking and relationships –– and that’s where Goshen dominated.”
DID YOU KNOW?
It’s more affordable than you’d think
DID YOU KNOW?
You don’t have to miss a thing
For local students like Lukas, Karen, and Erin, going to college in a different city would mean missing out on some of the amazing events and festivals in Goshen.
“Goshen is a small town, but it’s vast –– there’s a lot going on,” said Lukas. “I could see it as a real possibility to stay after graduation. I think it’s a great town.”
Erin agreed, saying, “From a college perspective, Goshen has great bike trails which take you downtown. There are so many things you can do with your friends off campus. It’s a small town, but there are a lot of things to do.”
Karen agreed, adding that she appreciates the city’s growing diversity. “I love the way this city is growing. We’re so much more diverse now, and people are bonding and getting along better. We’re like the whole world in one town.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Goshen is now home to a film festival!
River Bend Film Festival is a 3-day celebration of the art of filmmaking held in downtown Goshen every spring. This year, the festival is April 6 – 8.
Learn more about Goshen College
Good of Goshen Editor • Liz Shenk
Good of Goshen Photography • Ashley Ganger
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