Samantha
Towson University
What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love Eastern Christian’s community. Community is a word you hear a lot around EC, but that is because it is so true. Even on my shadow day, I felt surrounded by genuine people who share Christ’s love. Ever since I transferred, I’ve made long-lasting relationships that have challenged me to become a better person. I truly feel that EC is my home away from home with people who care about me.
Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
There are many teachers I dearly love at EC, but one really stands out to me: Mrs. Heerema. I am blessed to have two classes with her every day. Mrs. Heerema has shown me the power of personal testimony. She shares experiences that compliment the lesson and transform textbook information into real life situations. Mrs. Heerema has given me advice and become a mentor to me. Her boldness in her faith and her testimony has encouraged me to become a more active Christian.
In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
Before I came to EC, my faith was, for the most part, in name-only. I got involved in Anchored, a girls Bible study, and started sitting in the front of the room during chapel. At EC I got to invest into my faith, dig deeper and ask hard questions in a safe, comfortable environment. I also was able to go on a missions trip with EC through Touch The World to India. This strengthened my faith and showed me what pure joy in Christ looks like. As a result of my experiences, my nominal faith has blossomed into a passion.
The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
In every class I’ve taken, my teachers have been engaging. They encourage us to learn new things, and challenge us to think on another level. EC is a nurturing environment where teachers and faculty are supportive and meet you where you are. I was transformed into a better person from my schooling at EC, and am grateful for the engaging, nurturing teachers who have helped me.
How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life?
EC has prepared me by teaching me how to think through complicated situations, how to lead organizations such as the National Honors Society, and how to have a good work ethic. I’ve learned to take the positives out of every situation and to make the most of friendships. Most importantly, I’ve learned to be bold in my identity as a Christian and as a person, and to stand up for my opinions and beliefs.
What would you say to a high school student considering joining Eastern Christian School?
I would tell a prospective student that at Eastern Christian you will find a family. You will have access to programs like Humanities, STEAM, and WINGS where you can pursue your interests while learning. You will be surrounded by staff members who genuinely care about you and will help you succeed. EC is more than a school, it’s an environment where you can thrive.
What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
I am a part of the WINGS program at EC. I get to volunteer at Hackensack University Medical Center under five certified child life specialists (CCLS) Their job is to help children and their families cope with long term illness or disability through play. I had my own child life specialist when I underwent treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Meghan Shine, my CCLS, impacted my life so much that I want to help other children like she helped me. Through the WINGS program, I am able to work with Meghan every week and I’m so thankful for Mr. Wright and the WINGS program for getting me connected and allowing me this amazing opportunity that would have never been possible elsewhere.
