I’m Zoe Hilton, and I’m a sophomore here at Grace Christian University. My major is Human Services with a minor in Communications. The Human Services program here at Grace Christian University equips students to serve God and others in their community, and I’d like to share how this program has helped me discover my calling.
Why I Chose Grace
What drew me here to Grace is the small, close-knit community. Everyone here is so welcoming and encouraging, they’re truly genuine people who want to see you grow in your relationship with the Lord. That authenticity and commitment to spiritual growth is something that really drew me to this school.
I’m from Caledonia, Michigan, which is pretty close by, so staying near home while experiencing this incredible community made Grace the perfect choice.
Learn, Grow, Serve
Grace’s themes of Learn, Grow, and Serve connect deeply with my journey here. At first, I decided to take a gap year right after high school because I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. Starting here at Grace really helped me learn how to manage my time well with being in school, working, and playing sports.
Now that I’m transitioning into my junior year, I’ve been growing in my relationship with the Lord and overall confidence in who I am. I think the school really opens doors to serve in many different ways that I didn’t even know were possible.
Why Choose Human Services at Grace
One thing that really sticks out here at Grace is that the professors truly care for you as a person. They don’t just care about grading your assignments, they want to see you grow. In the classrooms, we do a lot of hands-on experience, like getting outside and going through scenarios. It’s very practical, and we get to work together in teams, which makes the learning experience really great.
If you’re considering the Human Services program, you’ll find that it’s both challenging and deeply rewarding, with professors who are invested in your success.
How Grace Has Shaped Me
One thing I’ve been learning is really developing my passions and what I care about. I am the type of person who’s really hard on myself, so the environment at Grace has helped me see that I have flaws and that I’m able to use them in a Christlike way to help others. That perspective shift has been invaluable.
The friends I’ve made here have also had a tremendous impact on my life. I’ve had so many good experiences with them. It’s such an uplifting environment, and I’ve gotten to know them more deeply, they’re pushing me towards Christ. The people here, whether you meet them in classrooms or just around campus, are truly genuine, and I’ve grown so much because of these relationships.
Discovering My Calling at David’s House Ministries
Coming into Grace, I actually had a business degree, and my goal was to get a marketing job after graduation. But during that first year, God really placed on my heart a passion to serve others. One of my friends here, Stephanie, who used to be a student, encouraged me to apply to David’s House Ministries.
I wasn’t really sure where that would lead, but working there as a shift supervisor and spending time with the residents has truly shifted where I feel my heart belongs. I am now very passionate about working with those who have disabilities. David’s House Ministries has helped me step out in leadership roles while also learning more about who God is and how He works.
It’s been really great because David’s House is so close to Grace, and I’ve truly gotten to love the community here and the people I’ve met there. This experience has completely transformed my career path and shown me where God is calling me to serve.
A Day in Someone Else’s Shoes
If I could swap places with any Grace professor or staff member for a day, I think it would be Gabby Wright. She works in student affairs, and whenever I see her around campus, she’s literally anywhere and everywhere talking with everyone. I think it would be cool to see what she does during the day and where she likes to go around campus. I really enjoy getting to know her and the time I’ve spent with her.
Just for Fun
I love coffee, it’s my go-to drink! I would say I really like iced brown sugar lattes; that’s probably my classic order. For a go-to snack, I’d say chips, honestly, any kind of chips. I really like the Ruffles sour cream and onion chips. They’re so good, and I could eat a whole bag in one sitting!
The Grace Impact
Grace has been so much more than a place to earn a degree. It’s been a community that has helped me discover my true calling, develop meaningful relationships, and grow closer to Christ. The Human Services program, combined with my work at David’s House Ministries, has shown me that serving others, especially those with disabilities, is where my heart truly belongs.
For anyone considering Human Services at Grace, I can confidently say this program will challenge you, support you, and help you discover your passion for serving God and others. The professors care deeply about your growth, the community is genuine and uplifting, and the opportunities to serve are abundant. Grace has given me the tools, the confidence, and the calling to make a real difference in people’s lives.
