Nicole
Class of 2010
Hometown: Strafford, Missouri
Major: English and Biblical Studies
Nicole chose Evangel because it offered three primary features she was looking for: proximity to home, the majors she wanted to pursue, and the intimacy of a smaller campus. With aspirations to teach and write professionally around the world, Nicole has enjoyed the opportunity to study the life of Jane Austen in Europe on a Spring Break trip with other students and professors. She also has taken part in campus leadership through Evangel’s student senate.
Why did you choose to come to Evangel?
Evangel is close to my hometown, which I regarded as a benefit. Also, everything I read or observed in connection with EU always had been positive, so I thought I would give it a try.
Which residence hall do you live in?
I lived in Walther my junior year, but I have been a commuter student for most of my time at EU.
Did you receive financial aid?
I received academic scholarships from both the English and Theology departments.
What do you like about the campus?
The location of our campus is close to downtown Springfield, which means that studying at local coffee shops, attending concerts, and participating in the monthly ArtWalk are all activities readily available to Evangel students.
How did you choose your major?
I am a double major in English and Biblical Studies. I have loved words — reading them, fitting them together — for as long as I can remember, so English was a rather obvious choice. I needed a minor as well, and because the Bible as literature has drastically affected the world, I chose to study it. After enjoying a few classes in the Theology Department, I bumped the minor to a major.
What are the benefits to attending a smaller university?
In my opinion, Evangel's primary strength is the intimacy it promotes between university faculty and students. The small size of the classes and the resulting interaction between those teaching and learning are some of my favorite aspects of Evangel. Also, involvement in student life is much easier and less intimidating than it might be on a larger campus.
What do you like about being an Evangel student?
I love the people I have encountered through Evangel's network. With some students, I have forged friendships that will last my entire life. Equally important, the professors are incredible individuals and desire involvement in their students' lives.
So far, what kind of educational/service/leadership opportunities have you encountered?
I participated in the student government for a year as the Humanities Department senator. Also, Evangel's creative arts magazine and performance venue, Epiphany, provided an excellent opportunity for me to meet other students, enhance my leadership skills, and develop my writing during my time at EU. I encourage all prospective Humanities students find out more about it.
Anything unique you’ve done with the Humanities Department?
This past spring break I had the opportunity to participate in a small study group to England. We traveled around the southern half of the island, absorbing all the literary and cultural experiences possible, focusing primarily on Jane Austen's life. Our adventures and conversations from that time are some of my favorite memories from my years at EU.
What are your personal and career goals after college? How do you hope to use your English degree?
After studying at Evangel, I plan to pursue either a Master of Arts in contemporary literature or a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, followed by a doctoral degree. Regarding more long-range plans, I hope to teach English overseas, write, and possibly become a university professor.
What does it mean to you to pursue God’s calling?
Realizing that God is in every aspect of life, not simply the overtly spiritual, makes walking in His will much easier. To me, pursuing His calling means becoming continually more aware of the Spirit's presence within me at every moment and learning to live in accordance with the Spirit.
What are your top strengths* and how do you use them?
Three of my top strengths are academic (intellection, input and learner), and two are relational (relator and developer). I use them to remind me of the essential balance between school-related responsibilities and my friends.
*Evangel University is one of 600 universities which use Gallup's strengths-based, leadership-development program. All students learn what their top five strengths are, and leadership training during their years at Evangel helps them to develop and maximize these talents.
And finally, why should a prospective student choose Evangel?
Because universities are composed of people, people should be the prospective student's primary consideration. The intimacy that Evangel offers, among both faculty and students, is its most advantageous selling point.
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