Staying Connected: One Student’s Story

STAYINGCONNECTED: ONE STUDENT’S OLIVET STORY

eveloping community can be difficult, especially when D opportunities to connect are limited. However, junior Jesse Castro has established a sense of belonging throughout his time as an Olivet student.

Appreciating the relational community of the small Christian high school he attended, Jesse looked for a similar collegiate environment where he could get to know people on a very personal level. Every summer of high school, Jesse’s basketball team had a tournament at ONU. Although attending the University wasn’t initially on his radar, the welcoming energy he felt on his first campus visit gave Jesse confidence that Olivet could be the right fit.

He applied to Olivet his senior year of high school, but didn’t actually commit until late in the summer before freshman year. “Everything was a little bit rushed,” he recalls. “But I still felt God calling me to Olivet.”

Jesse started his freshman year as a nursing major. However, after the fall 2020 semester, he decided to transition to studying exercise science, hoping to eventually follow in his mother’s footsteps as a physical therapist.

At Olivet, Jesse has fully taken advantage of a vibrant social life. He frequently takes part in school events, intramural sports and living in community in the campus apartments. Going to weekly Upper Room services and small class events have provided him with opportunities to make meaningful memories with friends. Sharing his musical talents as a chapel pianist during the worship portion of chapel services has given him purpose and connection.

“I’m very happy with what Olivet has to offer,” Jesse reflects. “I love how the school plans for students to have fellowship.”

Even with endless changes over the past year, he’s found consistency through the people that make up the Olivet community. “Specifically, my professors and friends have always been there,” Jesse says. “The care that the professors have for us really shows all over campus.”

Despite the undeniable challenges of going to college in the midst of a pandemic, Jesse has still enjoyed his Olivet experience. “It was really nice to be on campus in the fall. I was able to stay connected and take advantage of a great community with great friends.” ■

Jesse Castro