How has your college experience at ENC impacted you?
I have loved my experience at Eastern Nazarene College. The small school atmosphere and the Christian setting have helped me affirm my faith in Jesus Christ and my social life. I thank God all the time that I am at this school because I knew this was where I was supposed to get my education and meet the amazing friends that I have. I will forever be grateful.

How do the ENC professors reach out to students?
The professors have been encouraging, motivating, and supportive in guiding students to become the best teachers. They have helped me to realize the passion and drive of being a teacher through their own teaching techniques and abilities. The professors have been wonderful in the way they take time to help students and guide students to where they want to be. I am thankful for the hard work they put in everyday and there desire to see students become successful.

What would you tell high school students about ENC?
Don’t let the distance scare you away! ENC may be far from home, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. I have learned so much here that I never would have encountered if I had not been bold enough to go to school outside of Pennsylvania. I never realized how different new locations can be from where we grew up, and I would have been severely missing out if I had not been able to encounter the cultural, spiritual, and academic varieties that Boston has to offer. Even if you just come for school and move back to Pennsylvania after graduation, I promise you that what you experience in those four years will challenge and strengthen you more than you can imagine.

How have you grown since you first came to ENC?
I feel more mature and I have learned a lot about many different types of people. I have always been good at adapting but each day at ENC I am growing and adapting to different situations. I am finding out who I truly am, and becoming that person God created me to be. I still have a lot of work to do but I am on my way.

How have you experienced the ENC community?
I’ve experienced it everywhere, from hanging out in the dorms to being in class. Even just walking to class I constantly am greeted with friendly faces and warm hellos. The community is open, and diverse. Most importantly there are people here that keep me accountable and challenge me to be more Christ-like.

How do the ENC professors reach out to students?
Every professor I have come in contact with at this school has made a effort to connect with their students and make themselves available should a student need more clarification or advice on a particular subject. Nearly all of my classes start with prayer, and it is amazing at how that simple act changes the tone of the class; it adds purpose.

What do you like about the dormitory life at ENC?
I like that the RA’s actually care about you and take the time to get to know you. Even the RA’s of the other floors, they will come and visit and hang out, they really seem to want to get to know their residents. I thought it’d be really crazy and hectic living with thirty or so other guys, but it’s actually been really chill. It’s basically having a lot of close friends within a few feet of you at anytime.

What was your experience like when you first came here?
Everyone was so warm and welcoming. Every student and every professor had this, “I’m here to help you” attitude. I remember visiting campus for the first time my junior year of high school, and even though I was one of many visitors to the campus that weekend, everyone I passed made it a point to look up and smile at me. I knew right away this was an environment that would be hard to find anywhere else.

How do the professors reach out to students?
Professors at ENC very quickly become friends, and even family. My professors have invited me over for meals and even bible studies. Even when you may feel that there is no hope academically, the professors see the silver lining and challenge you to go higher. The professors won’t just give you an easy “A” because they like you or because they love Jesus. That’s not the point. Instead, they see your gifts and use them to develop your academic skills.

How have you grown from participating in campus activities?
I have had opportunities to grow in my leadership ability by helping organize ministries such as The Storm and Gospel Choir. I have also come out of my comfort zone in auditioning/interviewing for summer ministries and a Fusion trip. Most importantly, I have fallen more in love with my Lord Jesus Christ through the strong Christian community at ENC. Through my involvement in ministries like Open Hand, Open Heart, I have seen how compassion and service are at the heart of the Gospel, and I have begun to understand how emulating the love of Christ is my purpose.

How do the ENC professors reach out to students?
My professors are all willing to arrange meetings or appointments to meet with me and to go over anything that I have a problem with. It doesn't have to be related to academics but it could be spiritually. They know what's best for me and what path I should be on. They guide me but it is my job to stay on that path.

How have you experienced the ENC community?
I think that when someone uses the word “community”, it sounds like they mean a group of people who all look alike, think alike, act alike; in the context of a college community, that sounds a little boring and bland. But that is not ENC. Everyone here is totally distinct and different, but that makes it all the more noteworthy when the campus comes together to support something that affects us all, or to support someone on campus who’s having a rough time.

What was your experience like when you first came here?
I am normally a very shy person, especially around large groups of people, but at the start of my first fall semester I found myself becoming friends with an incredible amount of people. Not only people in my freshman class, but people in all different class years. I finally felt like I wasn’t just a number, but a unique individual. It was also great to break out of the high school routine and start seeing things on your own, taking trips to Boston, and my personal favorite, taking naps in the middle of the day.

How have you experienced the ENC community?
I have met many people on this campus through sports, clubs and activities, and continue to do so. I love every minute of it. I feel like a part of the community here because of this circle of friends. I’ve also gotten to know a few faculty members well, and they are very willing to be involved with the community and with any issues we may have. I think that willingness enriches the community we have built at ENC.

How do professors reach out to students spiritually?
Many professors like to start class with prayer, often asking if anyone has a specific prayer request. And in almost every class I’ve taken, the professors make a point of praying for us before exams. And of course, many of the topics we discuss have spiritual significance or were written from a spiritual perspective, so the professors make sure that we are aware of the spirituality of every aspect of our academic lives.

How have you experienced the ENC community?
I think I see the ENC community most when I’m in chapel. It’s an experience like no other to sit in the pews and see everyone around you worshiping God. You get to know everyone, you know their backgrounds, and to see so many people with so many stories come together raising their hands high is a life-changing experience. The bond that comes from that is extremely apparent. You can also see a bond when students come together to help each other with the things they’re struggling with, be it homework, spiritual struggles, finances, anything. Love is very apparent in the bonds between students, faculty and staff.

How have you grown since you first came to ENC?
Before I came here, I was not at a point where I wanted to be in religion, and ever since I've been here I have grown more spiritually and have been saved by the Lord. Back at home, I am not used to going to church, but when I am here having chapel during the week, it helps me to learn more about Christ and understand more of what my faith is. ENC has helped me to mature a lot faster then a typical student that does not go to a Christian school.

How have you grown since you first came to ENC?
There is nothing quite like living, laughing, and worshiping with a student body who shares your faith. The freedom to openly dialogue about one’s beliefs without the festering feeling of potential persecution is simply liberating; allowing myself, and any other student seeking to go deeper in their relationship with Christ a tremendous opportunity to do so.

How have professors reached out to students?
Recently I was feeling very stressed because my father was in the hospital with heart problems. I sent all my teachers an email to let them know that I might be sort of off during class, and it wasn’t my intention if I had trouble focusing on their lectures. All of them contacted me in one way or another to ask if they could help in any way, and that they were all praying for me. Knowing that they weren’t angry with me for not being at the top of my game allowed me to relax a bit, and in turn it helped me to focus better.

What would you tell high-school students about ENC?
You will definitely be exposed to new experiences at ENC, which will force you to grow as a person. ENC provides at atmosphere conducive to succeeding academically and forming life-long relationships. ENC has exposed me to so many different types of people that I never had the privilege of meeting before. I have learned so much about others and also about myself through the relationships I’ve developed here. I have grown both academically and spiritually in my 3 years here.

What was your experience like when you first came here?
I remember pulling up to the curb of my dorm and seeing a bunch of excited people cheering and clapping and when I got out of the car, and all my stuff was already out and taken up to my room. My family and I were shocked by the warm welcome we received. I was able to see the other side of that when my sophomore year, I moved people in and welcomed the new students into our community.

How have the ENC professors reached out to students?
The Ed. Department has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and work harder. I always thought that becoming a teacher would be an easy job; learning how to make lessons and fun activities. I was quickly shown that it’s more than that. It’s building relationships with students and parents. It’s showing them a Christ-like love in a world in where God is no longer in the classroom.

How would you sum up your ENC college experience?
I would not trade my college experience for anything in the world. I have grown exponentially while I have been here. I have been pushed out of my box and am a better man because of it. ENC has helped shape me as a Christian readying myself to venture into the world.

What is the dormitory life like at ENC?
I like how everyone is friendly and makes me feel like I am at home. Also, the RA’s help you a lot with the whole transitioning process. It is very seldom that people have arguments with each other and we all seem to get along pretty well. I was very scared at first since I didn’t know anyone, but with the help of the RA’s, they helped me feel like I belong here. ENC has a very “home-like” environment. I have met new people who are not only good influences on me but who also challenge me to become a better person.

How have the chapel services, student ministries, etc. at ENC helped you grow in Christ?
Having such opportunities available is an important asset to this school. I haven’t necessarily been a devout Christian, so I have had the chance to look at the world through a new perspective and have become a more open-minded person. Most importantly, I have been provided the opportunities to explore my relationship with God in ways I hadn’t before. It has really been a valuable experience, and has made me reflect upon my personal conduct and beliefs; I truly believe I have grown because of it.

In terms of spiritual development, how have ENC's chapel services, student ministries, and activities helped you grow in Christ?
It is such a blessing that there is always a way to worship Christ when you are looking for it. Whether it is The Storm, Oasis, or just the regular chapel service, there are many unique opportunities to spend time with Christ. I know that a large portion of my friends and I always look forward to chapel during the week. It is always a great feeling to break from the stresses of classes and worship Christ.

In what ways has ENC helped you grow?
ENC has given me opportunities that I know I would not have had at another school. Through ENC, I went on my first international trip to Africa. This was the biggest learning and growing experience for me as my eyes were open to the world! A lot of what I learned in Africa has influenced me and I brought back to ENC life lessons that I needed to learn.

How have you grown as a person since coming to ENC?
My freshman year, ENC had an influence I will never forget. With the help of my friends and the supportive staff at ENC, I was able to overcome what had been holding me back. The fact that ENC is a Christian college really allowed me to focus on my relationship with God. I truly believe that never would have happened anywhere else. I am a much better person today due to the love, kindness, and support I had from ENC’s community.

How have professors reached out to the students?
They have provided mentorship outside of the classroom in regards to our individual selves, as well as personal tutoring to ensure our success in our schoolwork. They also provide us with a comfortable atmosphere where we can go to them whenever we need help or someone to talk to.

How have you experienced the ENC community?
I’ve experience the ENC community by getting involved with the community itself. I joined JUMP drama ministry because I knew there was something within that group that would go out to the ENC region and touch hearts in a dramatic way. I also helped to start a bible study with some guys and our group has a strong bond with one another that will never break.