Why CU?
Definitely the family-style atmosphere of the music department.

Years Attended:
2005-2009

What You Want Others to Know:
Right after graduating from Cornerstone in 2009, I was blessed with a wonderful opportunity to serve our Lord in Japan, teaching at an all-girls private Christian school for two years in the city of Yokohama, just south of Tokyo. The vast majority of the students (just over 1,200 girls) are not Christians, so it was a wonderful opportunity to minister to and share the Gospel of Christ with these girls who are your cream-of-the-crop, top-notch students from the Tokyo metropolis. These girls - driven, determined and exceptionally bright - often go on to have powerful careers or high leadership roles. Not only did I have a chance to minister to these girls as students, but also possibly to future generations of Japan as we never know how the seeds planted in their hearts may flourish through the Holy Spirit's work. The Lord has truly blessed me by allowing me to serve Him and these students in this way.

During my two years in Japan, there were two significant "happenings." The first is that I experienced the big earthquake that happened on March 11, 2011.  From this experience, I had an opportunity to travel to the disaster site to deliver food/supplies to different families who had lost their homes. It was heartbreaking to see the damage that had been caused by the tsunami in the Tohoku region, but most heartbreaking was the emotinal damage that had been done in the hearts of families. We do not hear much about Japan's situation on the news here in the States, but they are still desperate to know Christ and need our prayers. The second significant happening is that I met an amazing man after my first year in Japan who also happened to be from Michigan! After about five weeks together, he had to leave Japan to go back to Moody Bible Institute, and I finished out my last year in Japan. We are now engaged and getting married on June 23, 2012. Only God could have planned something so surprisingly wonderful. Fully trusting the Lord's leading, we are hoping to do full-time ministry after he graduates from Moody Bible Institute in 2014. We will see what doors He opens for us.

Fast Facts:
Favorite Place on Campus
  The instrument storage room in the Gordon Music Building -- it's where we had lunch, mid-class chats, and found a "warm haven" during the winter months
Involvement
  University Chorale, Credo, Symphonic Winds (percussion), the musical production of HONK!
Last Visit
  March 23, 2011 when I was home on Spring Break from being in Japan
Souvenirs
  I have a couple of pressed, bright red fall leaves from my freshman year that I have kept in my journal.
Favorite Professor
  Peter Van Dessel & Laurie K Burgess (Education Dept.)
Favorite Memory
  Giving a joint senior recital with my friend. I am a vocalist, she's a trumpeter...we put on a good show together, but I was just blown away by the number of family, friends and loved-ones who came out to support us. It was such a blessing to be able to share our gifts with them, ending the recital together singing a hymn in praise to God.
Favorite Food
  The chocolate milk in the cafeteria