Admissions | Undergraduate Admissions | Transfer Newsletter | Hilbert says, "Challenges Welcome!"

Hilbert says, "Challenges Welcome!"

By: Hannah Hilbert, Senior

Transferring to any university can be a bit of a challenge; transferring in midyear is even more of a challenge â?¦ but that is what I did. Halfway through my junior year, I decided to change schools and finish my degree at George Fox. I had two friends who attended, and that was it. One of them was an RA (Resident Assistant), also a transfer student, and he was able to find a spot for me to live in a house on campus. I showed up the day before classes started and began my journey.

I would love to say that the first week was a wonderful experience; I would love to say that I breezed through everything without any trouble. Unfortunately, we don't always get what we wish. One challenge with starting midyear is that orientation isn't very long. In fact, it's only three hours. I met with the ASC (Associated Student Community - a.k.a., Student Government), and then returned to my house for the first house meeting of the semester. Sitting there surrounded by nine girls who were overjoyed to see each other again caused me to feel overwhelmed, shy, and a little scared. The next day, my friend called me and asked if I was going to "The Bon" (Bon Appetit, often referred to as The Bon, is the catering service on campus), and I asked "What's the Bon?" Needless to say, it was interesting.

There were many great things about coming to George Fox: the girls in my house were amazing, my roommates were incredible, and those I had met at orientation did everything they could to help me out. Within a couple weeks, I had settled in and loved it. Several things really impressed me about this school.

The first was the spiritual commitment of the girls in my house. They loved God and weren't afraid to let that show in every area of their lives. Coming from a liberal community college, this was a refreshing change.

The second was the commitment to community the leaders held. Everything that is done at George Fox centers on trying to build stronger relationships with friends and with God. From chapels twice a week, to dances on the quad, it was amazing. That mind-set trickled down to the teachers, and further down to the RA's.

The third thing that really impressed me was, the campus awareness of social and political issues happening in the present day. So often, students at private colleges can get a "head in the hole" mentality and forget what is happening in society around them. I began to learn more about the world when I came - from chapels to lectures, from clubs to special talk-back sessions.

The best decision I made my first semester was to apply to be an RA. My friend, Darian, and I were talking one day about what he had learned as an RA. In the course of the conversation he suggested I apply. I thought it was ridiculous; I had only been at the school for two weeks, and to apply would take much more experience and friendships than I had, not to mention that the applications were due in a week. After a few days of thinking and praying I decided to go for it. I was required to have a reference from my roommate, my RA, a friend, and a faculty member. Most of these people had only known me for two weeks. Astonishingly, after the one-on-one and group interview, I was accepted into the position.

Looking back at that semester, there are certain things I learned that made "settling in" a little easier. One, don't stay in your room. Come out and socialize with whoever is out, even if it just means doing homework in the lobby. Two, the Bon can be intimidating at times, so take a chance and sit with someone you don't know. I remember coming in and sitting down at a table with another "loner," most of the time they don't know anyone either during the first couple weeks. I met some good friends that way. Three, get involved! Participating in events is an amazing way to meet people and builds memories.

I wouldn't trade my experiences at Fox for anything. I have met people who will be lifelong friends, deepened my relationship with Christ, and have understood in a new way the true meaning of community. I know the lessons I learned and memories I made will be with me long past my time here â?¦ I call that an education.