My name is Paul Ureel, and I’m a sophomore at Grace Christian University. I graduated high school in 2020, and I’m majoring in Exercise Science with a focus in cardiac rehab. The Health Science program at Grace Christian University is very challenging, and I’d like to share my experience.
Why I Chose Grace
What drew me to Grace the most was the closeness and togetherness that Grace offers, separate from what you’d find at a bigger school. That sense of community was exactly what I was looking for. I’m from Holland, Michigan, so staying close to the area while getting a quality education made sense for me.
The Value of My Degree
The value I see in earning a college degree is that it sets you up for success. Grace does that exceptionally well with the teachers, counselors, and advisors they provide. You’re not just another number here, you have people genuinely invested in helping you reach your goals.
How Grace Has Shaped Me
My time at Grace has shaped me by helping me become more responsible and grow in myself and my studies. It’s helped me figure out what I truly want to do with my career. College is about learning and growing into who you’re meant to become, and Grace has provided the perfect environment for that development.
The Grace and Cornerstone Partnership
My program works through a partnership between Grace and Cornerstone University. During my freshman year, I took all my core and general education classes here at Grace. Then I take my major-specific classes, like anatomy and physiology, at Cornerstone.
From sophomore year until graduation, most of my classes will be at Cornerstone, but my gen eds and basic theology and English classes remain at Grace. It’s a great setup that allows me to get the specialized education I need while maintaining that close-knit Grace community.
A Professor Who Made an Impact
Kyle Vegh has been one of my favorite professors at Grace. He conveys his material with incredible energy, and because he’s pretty young, he can connect with students really well. What I appreciate most is that he doesn’t go off topic, he stays focused and makes his classes challenging, but he does it in a really effective and responsible way. His teaching style makes learning engaging while keeping high standards.
A Day in Someone Else’s Shoes
If I could swap places with any Grace professor or staff member for a day, it would be Dean Dykstra. He watches a lot of history videos and movies, and I think that would be pretty cool to experience. Getting to see campus and teaching from his perspective would be really interesting.
Just for Fun
I don’t drink coffee, but my go-to would definitely be a strawberry smoothie. That’s my favorite way to start the day or recharge between classes.
The Grace Impact
Grace Christian University has provided me with a challenging academic program while maintaining the personal connections and support system I need to succeed. The partnership with Cornerstone gives me access to specialized courses in my field, while Grace’s community keeps me grounded and focused on what matters most. I’m grateful for the professors who invest in their students and for an environment that encourages both academic excellence and personal growth.
