How would you describe the person you were when you first came to York and what were your initial thoughts about YU? 

If I’m being really honest… I didn’t like it at first. I transferred here my sophomore year and I didn’t like how it was all a bunch of cornfields and it was freezing. At my old school, I was only an hour away from home. Now I’m six hours on the dot, from the Gibbs parking lot to my driveway. Being further away from home, it was easy to miss my family and friends. But as soon as I actually bought into York and got involved, I fell in love with the campus and the community. Meeting my professors and all the cool people here, they made it easy to want to be here. I’ve also met some of my best friends and made some of my best relationships here.

 

What were you involved in during your time at YU? 

Obviously, I am a part of the men’s basketball team. If I’m not playing basketball, then I’m probably in the training room. I spend a lot of time there because it’s my work study. I’m involved in a lot of Bible studies with the Coopers and my team. I like going to games and events, just having fun and supporting other programs on campus. 

 

What is your favorite spot to be on campus? Why? 

I guess it depends on the season, but when it’s nice and sunny outside, I like to sit on the swings right outside Hulitt because you can get the sun. You can see all of campus, see people walking by, and get a chance to say hi to everyone. There’s always a nice little breeze, too. That’s probably my favorite spot when it’s warm out. In the winter, when it’s cold, I’m probably in the library doing homework and hanging out where it’s nice and warm. 

 

What was the best class that you took here on campus? It could either be, like, favorite or one that you like, absolutely hated, but it really helped you or whatever. 

I had a Bible class with Dr. Best and it was funny because he didn’t love it because it was a big class. But I loved it because I sat in the front row so I was able to answer a lot of questions. I loved it. I just liked the way he taught that class and the discussions you could have with him; it was awesome. But then there’s my Advanced Athletic Training class with Chad, our athletic trainer. That’s probably my favorite class. There were five of us in there and it was just Chad talking to us about all of his knowledge that he has about athletic training and the experiences that he’s had throughout the years. He could just sit and talk about everything and if we had any questions, we could just talk to him. You don’t get that anywhere else. I feel like that’s kind of just a York thing. I’ve learned so much in that class. It’s also just Chad…I love Chad, he’s a great guy. It’s a class that I’m excited for every single day. 

 

How would you describe the person you were when you first came to York and how have you grown and changed during your time here? Who will be the person who walks across the stage in a few months? 

I wasn’t very involved in the beginning, but I’ve definitely bought into the community here at YU. I’ve put myself out there a little bit more since my sophomore year. Obviously, I’ve grown in my faith but also with who I’ve surrounded myself with here. Like Jaden and Drew, Dr. Best and Dr. Sears, the Coopers. I’ve surrounded myself with people who actually live out what it’s like to be a Christian and to actually see that in a realistic, attainable, life-like way. They understand the Word and have a relationship with God. When tough things come their way, they don’t crumble and fall. They have God as their foundation to go through life and it’s awesome to see. The Coopers are some of the best people ever and it’s awesome just to be with and around them. So hopefully, I exemplify that when I walk across the stage. 

 

What were your biggest takeaways that you got out of York? 

It’s funny because I’ve been going through my physical therapy interviews and they’ve asked what it’s like to go to a small college and I’ve told them that you can make the most out of anywhere that you’re at. I don’t think size, geographical locations, funding/resources or anything like that matters. It’s how willing you are to put yourself into new situations. There’s always going to be opportunities wherever you are. York has really cool stuff here, even though it’s a small campus. They support other organizations and provide great opportunities for their students. I’ve made a lot of good memories and had super cool experiences through my time here at York all because I got involved in this small community. 

 

What have you discovered is your purpose and mission after your time here at York? And how did you realize that those were what they were to you? 

I think it’s just to be relational. That’s something that I’ve learned that I’m pretty good at here. That’s kind of part of the reason that I chose what I want to do in life and become a physical therapist. It’s a setting where you get to be involved with a lot of different people from a lot of different demographics, locations, settings, cultures and that kind of thing. Even with my teammates on the basketball team and everybody here on campus, we’re all from different areas with different backgrounds and stories. We’re not all the same and it’s nice to be able to learn how to build relationships with others who don’t have the same story as you. It’s a good skill to learn and hopefully I do well for it.  

What are your plans after you graduate? 

I’m going to go to physical therapy school, probably at Missouri State in Springfield, Mo. So three more years, and then I’ll pursue my doctorate in physical therapy.

 

You could have received a degree anywhere. Why would you endorse York to a potential student? 

If you’re looking for super nice facilities or big classes, this isn’t going to be the place for you. But if you want to have a close, tight-knit family with people, and you really want to form relationships with your professor and the people in your specific program. If you want to be in a place where you can grow or discover your relationship with Christ, York is definitely the place for you.