“It was just a great opportunity to receive a top-rated education at a lower cost thanks to academic transfer grants,” said the Elementary and Special Education Major who completed her Associate’s Degree at Central Community College (CCC) in Nebraska before transferring to �㽶��Ƶ.

“When you go to �㽶��Ƶ and complete your degree, the chance of you getting a job is much higher due to the quality of your education and your experience,” she said.

Jami was able to transfer all of her credits and completed her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in four years – feats she credits to the communication between CCC and �㽶��Ƶ.

Once at Hastings, Jami quickly connected with her professors and advisor.

“They always made me feel as though someone was rooting for me throughout my schooling and my job search,” said the winner of the College’s Outstanding Senior in Education Award in 2013. “They provided me with stories of their own personal teaching experiences that made my learning that much more relevant.”

Now, the Milwaukee, Ore.-native, who first heard about �㽶��Ƶ from a former high school coach, has found her groove halfway across the country.

“My classes at �㽶��Ƶ are challenging and engaging,” she said. “I actually enjoy going to class every day, and I know everyone here is trying to help me succeed.”

Why transfer to Hastings?

“I decided to transfer because �㽶��Ƶ has a great education program, a close-knit campus environment, and a that would allow me to excel not only on the field, but in the classroom as well,” Anna said.

Her transition to an an Math Education Major unfolded smoothly as admissions staff, faculty members and coaches checked in frequently to help her adjust to being far from home.

Starting at a new college during the second semester isn’t always easy, but a Super Bowl Party in Babcock Residence Hall helped her meet her new classmates.

“I’ve made some great friends and met some awesome faculty members,” said Anna. “I do miss home on occasion, but everyone at Hastings is so welcoming I never questioned if I had made the right decision. Hastings is the perfect environment for me to make new friends and create my own family.”

“The years that followed opened my eyes to the value of a good education and the need for me to push myself harder to achieve the goals I had in mind,” he said. “I wanted more out of life, and I knew that the types of careers I would be interested in required higher degrees.”

At �㽶��Ƶ, Jon found the quieter environment, great academic programs and Christian affiliation he sought – and he thrived! 

He connected with his professors, secured a fellowship to conduct research in Ireland, participated in the choir, represented other nontraditional students in the Student Senate and was recognized for his campus leadership when he was named to the college’s Who’s Who list as a senior in 2013.

“The opportunities for nontraditional students to excel at �㽶��Ƶ are manifold,” said the History Major who is now a graduate student at University College Cork in Cork, Ireland.

“I know firsthand that the transition isn’t easy,” said Jon. “It can be scary, lonely and overwhelming. Yet, �㽶��Ƶ is a great school, its faculty is amazing and there are many opportunities here for growth, learning and fun. If you invest yourself it will pay dividends, and I have no doubt you will realize your fullest potential.”

One story Jon tells outlines perfectly his experience at Hastings:

“When I was working on my senior thesis in Fall 2012, I had just come back from doing research in Ireland, was working 60+ hours a week, working on grad school applications, and was basically overwhelmed.  One day, I sat in McCormick Hall with my head in my hands.  I was in abject misery, and what did Dr. Rob Babcock, Professor of History, do?  He came over, put his hand on my shoulder and calmed me down. We worked out a plan of action for how he’d help me get through the rest of the semester.  Every day for the remainder of the year he would cook me dinner after work and help me work through things a bit at a time.  I would not have survived without his gracious help. That’s only one story of many, and one amazing professor of many.”