萝莉社

Tag: prospective students

Stories of CHIC: Boaz Johnson

Professor of Biblical & Theological studies Boaz Johnson shares his first-hand experience at CHIC, the national gathering of Covenant high school students.

Dr. Rajkumar Boaz Johnson,听Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies

CHIC is truly exciting! I have attended every CHIC since I started at North Park in 2003. Every parent wants their kids to turn out to be good kids. All Christian parents want their kids to turn out to be good followers of Jesus. CHIC is a great place to see this come to fruition.听Most churches have very small youth groups, and young people feel so alone. But at CHIC it is awesome to be with 6,000 other young people who are shouting and rejoicing, and jumping with joy.

I am always thrilled about every opportunity to speak into the lives of these young people. And it is such a joy to see CHIC students come to North Park. Even if the Holy Spirit uses one word I say, to influence a student鈥檚 choice to come to North Park, I am satisfied.听It is always a joy to shape the minds and hearts of these young people, so that they are able to go out and change the world. CHIC and North Park are once-in-a-life-time experiences that these young people will never forget.

Learn More 萝莉社 Boaz Johnson

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Profile, StoriesTags , , ,

Stories of CHIC: Gigi Santos

North Park student Gigi Santos shares her first-hand experience at CHIC, the national gathering of Covenant high school students.

Gigi Santos,听Current North Park Student

Listening to my youth group friends recount their experiences at CHIC was so life听fulfilling听to me that I decided to volunteer with 萝莉社. Volunteering at CHIC was very exhausting because we were working different parts of the event and had long days. However, I enjoyed every single moment of those long days because I engaged with other volunteers and staff and students; we were simply doing life together that week.

Going as a volunteer was a great opportunity for me and remains relevant in my life because I was able to grow in my faith and be vulnerable enough to share about my experiences with people who were very intentional with me that week. CHIC also allowed me to build relationships with people through which I can continuously share with others what God’s doing in my life.

That鈥檚 also what I love most about being at North Park: there is a community that has walked alongside me throughout my time here. I love that the friendships I’ve built here are intentional friendships and a great support system academically and with my journey with Christ.

I am excited about going to CHIC again this year because I loved watching all the good things God was doing in the lives of the students, staff, and volunteers. Simply being there together, putting ideas together to help students explore where they stand in their faith, and watching them take it into their own hands makes CHIC an incredible experience听as a North Park student听volunteer.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Profile, StoriesTags , , ,

Then and Now: C’18 Graduates Share Their Stories

Two years after they shared their stories for the #125Stories blog, three graduating seniors tell us where they are at now and what they will remember from their time at North Park.

In 2016, North Park celebrated their 125th anniversary and as part of the commemoration,听 was born, sharing brief yet personal glimpses听of the lives of current North Parkers. As many of those students are now graduating and moving on to the next phase of their lives, we decided to check back in with a few of them to see where they are at now and what thoughts they have to share about their time at North Park.

Nursing Major 鈥淚n high school, I knew I wanted to attend an institution that had a liberal arts foundation, an intimate class setting, and a great nursing program. I wanted to have close connections with the teachers and explore different classes even though I knew I wanted to be a nurse. When I realized that I was going to have all these things at North Park, I knew this was the right university for me.

Michaela Alcantara

My dad graduated from North Park in 2008. He told me about how great the University is and the community that he was involved in. I applied to different Chicago schools, but I realized that I wanted to go to North Park because it is a smaller school. I like the ambiance more here. I felt like I belonged here. My dad started his master鈥檚 degree but had to stop so that we could pay for me to go to school. So this fall he鈥檒l start again, studying for his master鈥檚 degree in leadership and management.

In my time at North Park, I have learned to be compassionate and kind. A huge part of being a nurse is caring for the patient. It鈥檚 not just about the medicine; you have to understand the person as a whole. I think that what makes you a good nurse is seeing someone holistically. I have had a holistic experience here. I have been involved in different cheer events and been able to practice my communication and leadership skills. I have connected with different types of people at volunteer events and North Park, as well as my professors, have supported that.

My time at North Park has inspired me to go down the path I鈥檓 on. I would also say that people are the heart of North Park. I think that is what I will remember the most from my time here. I appreciate that faith is part of the experience here, but that it isn鈥檛 bombarded in our faces. My favorite experience has been connecting with the teachers because I know I wouldn鈥檛 have experienced that at a bigger school.

I鈥檓 a nursing assistant at Rush, so I plan on staying there as a registered nurse on the general medicine floor. I like my current job, so I鈥檒l stay there for some time. They also have benefits for going back to school, which I will probably take advantage of. Within the next five years, I鈥檇 like to get my master鈥檚 degree as a Nurse Practitioner.

Joakim Widdas

My end goal is to work in private equity or investment banking. Right now, I鈥檓 looking for opportunities to get a foot in to the financial industry and then later I鈥檒l move into private equity and investment banking.

I鈥檝e been challenged academically at North Park, especially by some of my professors who have been tough with me to help me prepare for jobs outside of school. They have been fair, but taught me a lot. The business department really cares about your learning. My professors made an effort to connect me with their professional associates over coffee; that gave me the chance to ask them about their experiences and has helped in my education.

I chose North Park because I wanted to be in a big city. As an international, I can鈥檛 afford to go around America and visit schools, so I was taking a shot, but in the end, it has been a good experience.

I have always been secure about who I am, but I will remember my time at North Park as a turbulent few years. I鈥檝e learned a lot about myself and what I want to do in life. 萝莉社 has also been a unique experience because the Christian aspect attracts different-minded people than me. I have started to focus on the people who care and mean something to me; authentic people. Coming out of school, I have a bigger understanding of people.

Megan Dunbar

I took an intro to physics class, and it was hard. That was good though because it challenged me in a way that my other classes hadn鈥檛. I really struggled with those classes, but it was something different that I was interested in and I liked figuring it out. So I kept with physics. I will graduate with a degree in physics, but I don鈥檛 think that I will go into a field with it right away. Right now, I am applying for positions within nonprofit organizations in Chicago.

A lot of my time at North Park has been dedicated to volunteer service. I鈥檝e gotten to volunteer with World Relief as part of an afterschool program. Basically, you spend time with kids from refugee families whose parents are still at work. I鈥檝e volunteered for six years now, and I鈥檝e never thought of it as just an extracurricular; it is something that I want to do and be a part of. After college, I want to go back and be in the environment that volunteering creates and meet the people who are there and form relationships with them. I would like to be on the other side of volunteering, a direct influence on the volunteers. Helping people get settled would be amazing, but it鈥檚 also daunting.

It makes me feel nostalgic to think about who I was as a Sophomore. I am a lot stronger, mentally, physically, and emotionally, stronger in academics, in knowing who I am now. I鈥檝e gotten to try all these different experiences and find out what I really wanted to do. I took up boxing! I got lucky and found a good set of friends the first semester I was here. They have shaped who I am and my experience while I have been here.

For every setback I thought I had, I wound up with another person to support me. They were a professor, a staff member, or another student who I connected with and who made my experience better. So, I will remember the people the most and those stories that I鈥檝e learned while I was here.

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Profile, StoriesTags

Undergrad-led Research Findings Span Academic Majors

Organized by the Undergraduate Research Committee, 25 students present original research at North Park’s 12th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.

North Park students, faculty, advisors, and family gathered May 2 at the Johnson Center for the 12th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Organized by the Undergraduate Research Committee, the 25 student presenters first submitted an abstract to the committee for entrance into the symposium.

鈥淢ost of these student scholars conduct their research in their Directed Research course throughout the academic year,鈥� said Dr. Yoojin Choi, chair of the committee. 鈥淪tudents really learn best when doing authentic inquiry,鈥� added Dr. Choi.

As part of the Directed Research course and/or independent studies coursework, the research topics represented students majoring in biology, psychology, exercise science, physics and engineering, nursing, philosophy, environmental science, English, chemistry, and biochemistry.

Eleanor Manning

鈥淭his is the best learning experience I鈥檝e had at North Park听because we can apply what we鈥檝e learned,鈥� said Eleanor Manning, a physics and engineering major. She credits her understanding of the mechanics of prosthetics to participating in undergraduate Directed Research coursework.

鈥淐onducting research projects is the best way to learn research and it allows our top students to shine,鈥� said Provost Michael O. Emerson.

Exercise science major Victoria Pudussery expressed her gratitude for her learning experience.

鈥淚 now have perspective on how large research is and am fortunate to learn the research process as an undergrad,鈥� said Pudussery. Post-graduation, Pudussery will pursue a degree in physical therapy at Northwestern University.

Victoria Pudusserey

Students displayed the practical, career-building skills they acquired at North Park via media such as charts and graphs. Physics and engineering senior Kristina Lundeen illustrated an analysis of wind in her presentation of Improving a Pedestrian Comfort Model for Arbitrary Geometries.听Nursing student Aisha Badla presented statistical reporting and data analysis that answered Does Breastfeeding a Neonate Improve Oxygen Saturation Levels Without Any Other Intervention?

Spending hours in North Park鈥檚 Brandel Library conducting in-depth research, the participants further developed their critical thinking, case study reading, oral presentation, and confidence in fielding questions from the audience.

鈥淭he Undergraduate Research Symposium is a magnificent听spotlight on what is great about a North Park education,鈥� said Provost Emerson.

鈥淢ost grad schools require research experience in the undergrad years and having the Research Symposium on your CV is very good,鈥� said Dr. Choi. The CV credential is a bonus鈥攂ut even more, these students displayed true to North Park form their appreciation for research, gratitude to their mentors, and exceptional work ethic.

Acknowledgments

The Undergraduate Research Symposium wishes to thank the students and faculty mentors for their efforts at creating original works of knowledge. This year鈥檚 Undergraduate Research Committee consisted of Professors Yoojin Choi, Gianfranco Farruggia, You-Seong Kim, Suzen Moeller, Rachel Schmale, Sarah Thorngate, and Joel Willitts. Special thanks to Brandel Library, Provost Emerson, and Interim President Balsam for their support and for underwriting the cost of the symposium.

Author onlinemediaPosted on Categories News, StoriesTags , , , , ,

Real Stories of 萝莉社: College in the City

鈥淚 left India when I was 17 to start college. Initially, it was hard to be away from home, but I was intentional about becoming involved with the campus community. As an international student, I don鈥檛 have family here, but North Park has become a family to me.”

Esther Uputuri, Nursing and Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, 鈥淚 left India when I was 17 to start college. North Park is equipping me with resources to overcome challenges, better myself, and move one step closer to my dream every day. My professors are very encouraging and willing to help. Initially, it was hard to be away from home, but I was intentional about becoming involved with the campus community. As an international student, I don鈥檛 have family here, but North Park has become a family to me."

Esther Uputuri is a Junior earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. She is also a resident assistant, student ambassador, president of the South Asia Cultural Club, and member of the Nonprofit Club and International Justice Mission.

鈥淚 left India when I was 17 to start college.

I always thought I would come to the U.S. for my masters or for vacation, but I never expected to for my undergrad. It was definitely God-led. God, at the right time, brought people into my life to encourage me. When I arrived on my flight ten days before the semester started, it was a new beginning, and I was looking forward to seeing how my life would play out.

Living and studying in the middle of a large, world-class city has given me an opportunity to experience an urban perspective on life鈥攖o study and understand the fast-paced lifestyle and socio-economic diversity. City life gives me endless opportunities; whether they be vocational or educational, arts or entertainment, work or worship, I get to have a hands-on experience in the city. Access to more internships and other career-boosting experiences also adds to the appeal.

North Park is equipping me with resources to overcome challenges, better myself, and move one step closer to my dream every single day. My professors are amazing, especially the nursing and nonprofit professors. They are very encouraging and willing to help. Initially, it was hard to be away from home, but I was intentional about becoming involved with the campus community. As an international student, I don鈥檛 have family here, but North Park has become a family to me.

Living by yourself will challenge you in a lot of ways, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and it helps you reflect on who you are and what you have learned. It鈥檚 a tough world, and North Park is preparing me to be more independent.鈥�

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Profile, StoriesTags , , ,

Decision Day: What to Consider

National Decision Day is May 1st. Here are five criteria other North Park students have considered to help you make your decision.

Deciding where to spend the next four years earning your degree and building relationships is not a light task, especially when you鈥檝e been accepted into multiple colleges and can only choose one. Here are five criteria other North Park students have considered to help you make your decision.

Cost

Attending college can be expensive, but it doesn鈥檛 have to be. Make sure you look at what kinds of scholarships the school offers and check for other merit or academic-based scholarships. There are also multiple websites where you can find essay or no-essay scholarships. North Park recognizes the financial burden college poses, but its commitment to affordability makes it easy to find your value here.

Commitment to Affordability

Prospective students learn how 萝莉社 engages the city of Chicago

Location and Distance from Home

Distance from home can be a tricky one. Your parents might want you close, and you can choose whether you want that or not. North Park鈥檚 location in a major U.S. city makes it easy to travel home to anywhere in the country by plane, train, or automobile. Another aspect to take into consideration is what surrounds the school. Is it in a major city? Small town? Middle of nowhere? Consider the environment that you want around you. North Park offers a mid-town oasis in the middle of a world-class city.

Our City

Academic Majors, Programs, and Reputation

Be sure that the schools you have been accepted into have the majors and programs that you want to study. It is also worth looking at the variety of programs that a school has if you are undecided听so that you can take a wide range of courses to find your major. Also, remember to consider the academic reputation of the school. If two schools check the first two boxes, find out which areas each school is recognized for and put that against your course of study.

Academics at North Park

Social Atmosphere

Whether or not you are a socialite, the social life and atmosphere is a top priority among those considering North Park. Learn more about people on campus who organize social events for students. Narrow down what is a need and a want in terms of living community, career advancement opportunities, and religious life.

Student Engagement

Extracurricular Activities

A wide range of extracurricular activities is an important consideration. Clubs, organizations, and intramural sports should all supplement your education by providing a relaxing or engaging time outside of the classroom. Making an impact means becoming connected and filling your time between and after classes surrounded by your peers in other, creative capacities.

Student Activities

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, StoriesTags , ,

Real Stories of 萝莉社: Closer to Home Made a Difference

“For a while, I was dead-set on moving away. Then I visited North Park as a prospective student. That was when I realized that I could make my own experience here and do my own thing.”

Sarah Hawkinson "The interactions I had with professors, even before attending North Park, were really encouraging because it seemed like they want to be more than just professors but mentors who are there to help you make choices. And now that I am getting to the core of what I want to study, my professors are ready and eager to challenge me."

Sarah Hawkinson is a history and secondary education major. She is also a desk attendant, writing advisor, participates in the women鈥檚 chorale, and tutors students from Peterson Elementary school.

“North Park went from being my last choice to the perfect choice for me. My family has a lot of history and connections at North Park, so it had been in my life so much already and for a while, I was dead-set on moving away. Then I attended a scholarship event; it was my first time visiting as a prospective student. I had fun meeting other people I would potentially go to school with, and the idea of coming to North Park began to feel more real. That was when I realized that I could make my own experience here and do my own thing.

The interactions I had with professors, even before attending North Park, were really encouraging because it seemed like they already wanted to be invested in their students鈥攖o be more than just professors but mentors who are there to help you make choices. That鈥檚 what I love about North Park now. Having the opportunity to get coffee with my professors and take extra time outside of the classroom is something that I feel my friends at other schools don鈥檛 get. And now that I am getting to the core of what I want to study, my professors are ready and eager to challenge me, especially when I鈥檝e shown that I鈥檓 invested and interested in their class.

Another aspect of North Park that I鈥檝e grown to appreciate is its location in the city, which has helped me to continue in my faith life by learning more about cultural and religious diversity. I鈥檓 definitely growing and having positive and new experiences in this city setting. It has been important for me to get to know others and hear about a variety of experiences; it’s enhancing my faith-life and the way I see the world.

I鈥檝e realized being close to home has more benefits than drawbacks. I can go home every weekend or once a semester. 听I鈥檝e been very happy with my decision to go somewhere which happened to be close to home, but really my decision was more multi-faceted than that. It was the opportunity to grow at听a school where professors and students encourage faith, growth, and learning. Plus, I get to keep my winter clothes at home during the spring.”

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Profile, StoriesTags , , , ,

Real Stories of 萝莉社

Three students share how getting involved on campus has shaped their experience at 萝莉社.

Lydia Vander Stelt, Business & Economics and Nonprofit Management, 鈥淭he best characteristic of North Park is that it is city-centered and we have the Catalyst 606 program. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow in my faith both in and outside of the city. North Park is good at providing opportunities for students to grow in their faith, but not forcing that growth. I think that is key in the transition from high school into college."

Lydia Vander Stelt

Junior, Double Major in Business & Economics and Nonprofit Management

From Grand Rapids, MI

“I chose North Park because of its location. I wanted to set myself far enough away from home to be able to grow, but not have a hard time getting home. The best characteristic of North Park is that it is city-centered and we have the Catalyst 606__ program. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow in my faith both in and outside of the city. North Park is good at providing opportunities for students to grow in their faith, but not forcing that growth, which I think is key in the transition from high school into college and becoming an adult.

As a freshman, I decided to take the time to breathe and not get involved in many activities. When I participated in the Catalyst 606__ Semester, it opened a lot of doors for meeting new people and friends, which was crucial to my getting involved. Now I鈥檓 the communications director for the Student Government Association. I work to make the Student Government more transparent and accessible to the student body. What is so unique about the student government is that I have been able to get to know the University administration and act as the liaison so that students are heard.”

Betty Rodriguez, Biology Major and Pre-Med "My first impression of North Park was when I came for the Lighthouse Scholarship meeting (a cohort program for first-generation college students) and I was like 鈥榳ow, this is where I want to be.鈥� The family and community that you can build here is something that I love. You can always count on someone on campus.鈥�

Betty Rodriguez

Junior, Biology Major and Pre-Med

From Mexico and Chicago, IL

鈥淏eing a part of Rising Dreamers United means being informative about issues in the immigration community. It isn鈥檛 just about DACA students or immigrant students on campus, but a variety of students on campus that people need to know about. These issues affect thousands of students and many more families.

I have also been involved in the Student Government Association (SGA) since last year, and I鈥檝e stayed involved because it allows me to help others wherever they are struggling. I am able to share with other students what SGA is working on, and sometimes students come to me with issues.

My first impression of North Park was when I came for the Lighthouse Scholarship meeting (a cohort program for first-generation college students) and I was like 鈥榳ow, this is where I want to be.鈥� The family and community that you can build here is something that I love. You can always count on someone on campus.鈥�

Jared Koehler

Senior, Double Major in Business & Economics and Politics & Government

From Kukana, WI

“My curiosity brought me to North Park, and I鈥檓 really glad that I came here because it expanded my world view. I made a lot of international friends which pushed me to study abroad, something I might not have done if I hadn鈥檛 gone to North Park. I鈥檝e learned that the world is such an amazing place. It has made me more open-minded and instilled in me a better understanding of others.

Next to the international focus, the student-faculty relationship is the best thing about North Park. I feel that education should not only be to hear something but to practice it through discourse. North Park has an intense mission to bring students and professors together and to facilitate conversation. Because of that, I have met some professors who have helped me both to improve my skills and to network.

North Park is a great transition from leaving high school to becoming someone who is truly prepared, not only for the work force but for relationships with people who are different from oneself. It is a good fit for anyone who is curious to learn about others and the value of diversity in opinions and cultures.”

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Blog, Profile, StoriesTags , , , ,

萝莉社 to Offer Cutting-edge Location Intelligence Program

A new major, offered exclusively online, will instruct students in the latest geospatial technologies and their application in a variety of careers.

Johannes Buerger, coordinator of the new location intelligence program at 萝莉社, appreciates the reliable real estate maxim 鈥渓ocation, location, location.鈥�

Led by Buerger, North Park recently launched a major in location intelligence offered through the School of Professional Studies. 鈥淭here are many students who come out of high school with a dream to change the world, and I think that location intelligence, which is related to geography and sustainable environmental planning, is something that gives you the opportunity to make changes in the world,鈥� says Buerger.

Anyone who has done the research of buying a home or renting an apartment has likely used a simple form of a geographic information system (GIS), a tool applied in the study of location intelligence (LOCI). Using that information to choose a house or apartment is a perfect example of a practical, everyday use of location intelligence.

鈥淟ocation matters in your everyday life,鈥� says Buerger, noting that skills acquired in the study of location intelligence can be applied to a broad range of disciplines, from digital marketing to biology.

In the LOCI program, students learn in-demand tech skills such as utilizing GIS鈥攕oftware specifically designed to collect and manage geographic data. Other skill sets students will develop include map design, remote sensing, urban planning, and geomarketing.

From elevation to demographics of consumers in a neighborhood 鈥� location intelligence analyzes this type of valuable information and applies it to businesses and everyday life. While expertise or a degree in math is not required, a statistics background is an advantage in such areas as creating and analyzing maps.

As the field of location intelligence is relatively new and broadly applicable, location intelligence professionals are highly valuable to businesses who already implement GIS in small ways and those who have yet to implement these tools. 鈥淟ocation intelligence offers a very desirable skill set because you can do big data management and spatial analysis, which are required in so many different fields,鈥� Buerger says.

Graduates with a degree in location intelligence have many exciting career options such as urban planning, disaster management, community service, and geo-marketing. For instance, city and retail planners use location intelligence to choose the spot for a new bus stop, find out where the next viable franchise location is, and assess where it is most profitable for a company to make deliveries.

Location intelligence is not limited to urban planning or urban studies 鈥� it can be used to assess weather patterns, sales, marketing, and even the natural sciences. 鈥淟ocation intelligence is such an interdisciplinary program which opens many doors, not just one,鈥� says Buerger.

 

Learn More
Request Information Today

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories Announcement, News, StoriesTags , ,

Advance Your Career with CDIO

Learn what the Career Development and Internships Office has to offer students at 萝莉社.

The Career Development and Internships Office (CDIO) is a resource for every student throughout and after they complete their studies at North Park. The CDIO听helps undergraduate students match their vocation to major, develop critical work skills, master professional branding, engage in a job search, and network with alumni and professionals.鈥� CDIO staff walk alongside students from their prospective visits, throughout college, and into the workplace.

NP: Who does the CDIO serve?

Bozeman:听The CDIO serves all undergraduate students as well as North Park’s graduate students and alumni.鈥� We focus on professional coaching, career mapping, advanced networking strategies, and simple financial planning related to salary negotiations.

NP: When should students connect with the CDIO?

Bozeman:听We make every effort to connect with students as soon as they arrive to campus.鈥� We know that our high-performing graduates complete hundreds of hours of volunteer service, internships, career research, professional development, and financial planning.鈥� To inform and support students about best practices, we created the Career Advantage program.鈥� The program lists critical activities for each year of study at North Park, and includes an easy tracking system to help students articulate their accomplishments.

Pamela Bozeman,听Senior Director of Career Development and Internships

NP: What is “Career Advantage” and why should students participate?

Bozeman:听Career Advantage is a four-year plan, fully on-line, connected to employers and campus activities, incentivized, and is what employers want to see.

NP: Why should students seek internships and jobs during their studies?

Bozeman:听According to an on-line source鈥疌areerUp, 鈥淚f you have a鈥�痙isplayed on your resume, it will give you a competitive advantage over all the candidates applying for the same position. Employers understand that graduates that do not have any practical experience may lack the skills required to excel on the first day of their employment. Employers value internship experience because they provide students with skills that they cannot acquire in a school setting.鈥�

NP: Does the CDIO have a job or internship finder for students and alumni?

Bozeman: Yes, Carer Hub. CDIO staff assist students looking for internships and jobs using several search engines, professional contacts, off-site job fairs, and our own on-line job directory – Career Hub.

NP: What do you wish students knew about your office?

Bozeman:

  • The CDIO staff have a cumulative total of 20 years of experience in higher education, 20 years of experience in college admissions and career readiness, and more than 10 years in workforce development.
  • We serve our students and alumni for as long as they need us, free of charge.

Learn More about CDIO

Author Ana FundukPosted on Categories StoriesTags , , ,