Choosing the right start

I visited Hesston during my junior year of high school. I really enjoyed my visit, but I was convinced it wasn’t the place for me. During my senior year I visited three other colleges but none of the visits compared to my Hesston visit. I just felt a sense of home here more than I did anywhere else, yet I decided to attend George Fox University (Newberg, Ore.). Later, Bradley Kauffman emailed me asking me to audition for Bel Canto Singers. One day my mom suggested that I audition just to see what would happen. I took her advice and auditioned over Skype. To my great surprise, I got in. After praying a lot about my decision, I woke up one morning and I knew Hesston was where I was supposed to be.

Exploration and change

I started here as a business major. I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do with it, but I know that business is in everything. Plus, I have a dream of opening a coffee shop someday and doing ministry through that. The first week of the spring semester, I realized business wasn’t really for me. I talked to my advisor, David LeVan, and we decided to do some exploring to figure out what I like. I decided to take the Writing for Media class, and I have really enjoyed it. I also enjoy Spanish classes.

A home away from home

I really appreciate the people here. Living so far from home can be difficult sometimes, but there are so many people here that have been there for me like a parent. The staff and faculty care so much about each person, and that is something that you can’t find everywhere. It is such a unique experience to be able to open up to your instructors and peers like you can at Hesston.

What her instructors say

“Karli is good at a lot of things, her interests are diverse and she wants to learn as much as she can before she narrows her focus. She brings a special brand of wide-eyed curiosity, an open mind and enthusiasm to everything she does. She would succeed at about anything, but she’s actively invested in figuring out the absolute best fit, and that means giving every class her best.” – Kendra Burkey ’00, communication instructor

A good decision

I am glad I chose to start at Hesston because of the chance to sing with a talented group of singers, and because it has given me a chance to figure out who I am as a person and who I am in Christ.