Leslie
Senior, Class of 2018
What do you love about Eastern Christian School?
I love the people of EC. Just walking through the doors, the feeling is different. When I tell people outside EC I am friends with my deans and teachers, it’s pretty much unheard of. This place is more than a school, it’s a community that equips you with the tools you need to grow. Barriers are broken, friendships are formed, and most importantly love is shared.
Describe one of your favorite teachers and tell why he/she is a favorite.
Yikes, this is a tough one. Not trying to hurt any feelings here, but I’d have to say my favorite teacher is my Psychology and Personal Financial Literacy teacher, Mrs. Heerema. Not only did her class spark my passion for Psychology, but it ignited my curiosity to understand the world around me. Mrs. Heerema fiercely speaks the truth and uses personal experiences to enhance her lessons. She teaches with the purpose of equipping her students to better the world and succeed for the Lord. Mrs Heerema goes beyond her call of duty and always helps others around her. She’s even helping to train a service puppy currently, and luckily I get to help train him (he’s the cutest).
In what ways have you grown in your faith as a result of your experience at Eastern Christian School?
When I first came to EC, I felt lost and out-of-place from a spiritual standpoint. I didn’t understand God, Jesus or the Trinity. It seemed like everyone else had it all figured out. I remember mispronouncing Psalms on my first day of school in front of my whole class. Yup, that’s how they knew I was a public school kid. I was confused about God and one day I decided to take a chance. I asked a question. I asked my geometry teacher, Mrs. Andrews about who God is and confessed I really didn’t understand this whole Jesus thing and I felt more alone than ever. This simple conversation turned into a two hour long discussion about faith, the trinity, and how my life has a purpose. Had I not gone to EC I would have never found my relationship with God. I would have never realized that everything happens for a reason, that my life has a purpose and a plan.
The Eastern Christian tagline is “Engaging. Nurturing. Transforming.” How did you experience an education that is engaging, nurturing and transforming at EC?
As my four years come to an end (14 days left), I have changed for the better. I am engaged by the opportunities our small school has offered me in clubs, programs, and service opportunities. I am nurtured by teachers, counselors, and administrators who are dedicated to my success in all aspects of my life. I have been transformed by my experiences and relationships here at EC.
How do you feel that EC prepared you for graduation, college and life?
In the fall, I will be attending Elon University in North Carolina. I have chosen to major in Psychology where I hope to study consumer insights and how to further understand the mind. I was accepted into a service cohort at my school where like minded individuals complete service projects to better the University environment. Had I not been exposed to the importance of service and working to help others in need, I would’ve never had this opportunity at Elon.
What opportunities did you experience at EC that you don’t think you would have gotten to experience anywhere else?
I mean, where else are you going to have a school wide tug of war in a mud pit? Or, be able to organize and perform in a christmas festival for underprivileged kids? My greatest memories at EC are definitely unique experiences. For instance, I participated in a Robot Fight Night for my Robotics class. A huge crowd with lights and all the elementary schools kids chanted and cheered on our robots. EC has events and experiences unlike any other school.
