What Will Four Years Add Up To?

What will four years at college actually add up to? When people imagine their college experience, they often focus on pivotal moments—move-in day, campus-wide events, and finals week. But what about the hundreds of hours they spend in ordinary, day-to-day life? To me, this is what makes Covenant's intentional education model so rich and formative. Covenant reinforces the importance of the ordinary.  

Formed in the Classroom

Some of my most exciting Covenant experiences have come from witnessing a Christian worldview play out beautifully in the classroom. Whether I'm in Biodiversity and Stewardship, Teaching in a Pluralistic Society, or Shakespeare, my professors have always demonstrated what it looks like to integrate the truth of God's Word in their respective fields. They've also established an atmosphere of humble, patient curiosity and discernment. As an English major, I'm being trained not only how to write solid literature papers, but also how to wonder, listen, mourn, discern, and love what's good.    

Formed in Chapel

Though my classes have been incredible, it can be hard to remember the bigger purpose of a Christian college when everyone has their own schedule. From my perspective, this is why chapel is such a treasured community rhythm. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we gather to sing, hear from a trusted speaker, and remember the goal of our academic labor—to glorify God together. We also remember that our performance doesn't determine our identity; thirty-five minutes of our busy academic day is dedicated to not producing anything tangible. I don't always feel a spiritual "high" in chapel, but participating in the rhythm of worship sustains me when my workload and relationships are unpredictable or overwhelming.   

Formed Over Meals

One of the most beautiful campus spaces is the Great Hall, our historic ballroom-turned-dining hall. But the real beauty is in the fellowship: big wooden tables crowded with students laughing, catching up, and discussing hard questions from an earlier class. Here, meals aren't simply about fueling up for the next thing on the schedule. They're a chance to fellowship with brothers and sisters, continue impactful conversations, and support each other in Christ. The Great Hall's loud because we're actually talking to each other.  

I love going to college on a mountaintop. But I think Covenant's real strength is its awareness that some days are spent in spiritual valleys. In those times, I'm held not by shifting emotions but by the deep rhythms Covenant has built into its ordinary community life. As you think about where you'll spend four incredibly important years, consider how you'll be shaped in the little moments. That's what truly adds up.  

Want to join the Covenant community on your journey of Christ-centered formation? Request for Information | Covenant College