Courtney Hutchins

Anticipated graduation year: 2011

Major: Health Science

Hometown: Selah, Wash.

Whitworth activities/clubs that you are or have been involved in: Varsity volleyball, varsity track and field, Club Frisbee, Spanish Club, Intramural volleyball, basketball, and Frisbee, small-group leader beginning in fall 2009

Favorite music: Christian (Shane & Shane, Coffey Anderson etc.) and folk/alternative/instrumental (Chris Thile, Tyrone Wells, Missy Higgins)

Favorite guilty pleasure: Ice cream, for sure. Very common, I know, but it's true!

You'd be surprised to know that... I can make bubble noises with my lips.

Best class: Hmmm...very tough, but so far my favorite class has been Romans, with Jim Edwards. It's not within my area of study, but it was very compelling and thought-provoking for me. My background doesn't include a lot of biblical study, so this course was a huge treat for me – to crack open the Bible with 40 other students and an amazing theologian three days a week and really dig into God's word together! I loved the structure of the class as well: lecture with a lot of discussion. It was a huge encouragement for me to learn from Jim. What a stellar man of God!

Favorite place or hangout on campus: Back 40, hands down! I love to go back there, where it seems so far away from all the noise and commotion. It's such a blessing to have a place we can go that's right in our backyard to spend some time peacefully just to listen and reflect.

I like my major because... in my major, the professors are absolutely amazing, kind, and wonderful people. I know that's probably true for the majority of the faculty at Whitworth, but these people that I have come to know and learn from are especially passionate about their area of expertise and those around them. I also love my major because it allows me to learn about things so tangible and applicable to our everyday lives. I love to learn about the human body, and with that knowledge I particularly love how I can reach out and offer help to those around me. It's a wonderful thing to be able to give to the people around you, and I'm excited to do so as I continue to learn and grow.

Why I chose to attend Whitworth: Well, originally I was interested in Whitworth because I had an opportunity to play volleyball and run track here, but then, through prayer and visiting the campus, I just knew it was the place for me and the sports became a bonus! I love the encouraging community and Christian environment, which I have no doubt go hand in hand. Also, Whitworth is within driving range of most of my family, and that is important to me.

Advice for incoming students: For all you incoming students, I'd say jump in with both feet and no hesitation! Whitworth is an absolutely amazing place just glowing with opportunity and growth. Looking back on my freshman year, I regret not taking advantage of all the guest lectures, music, and art opportunities around campus, which I've found since then to be very interesting and enjoyable. That is only a glimpse of the things going on around here. Also, I would suggest getting to know the faculty; they are very excited to get to know you and to help you to reach your full potential. The faculty and other students around campus are awesome resources of knowledge, guidance, and support through college...and maybe more. :-)

How Whitworth is preparing me for graduate school or a career: My major is challenging and contains all the necessary tools for success, but that doesn't matter if I don't know how to use these tools effectively. This means that I need to be mature and ready for the next step so that I may put my academic knowledge to good use. I love that Whitworth requires students to take Biblical Literature and Core. I think it's important to think outside of our own culture and beliefs and to test ourselves on a deeper level. I believe this is where Whitworth is set apart from other universities. I know I haven't experienced any other university, but I do have good friends who have, and it seems that not many other places foster an education of the mind and heart, as Whitworth truly does. So to sum it all up, I believe that Whitworth encourages a very strong foundation not only in the academic area, but especially in the spiritual. I believe that the community of fellowship that I have been immersed in has really nourished me and encouraged me toward a healthy and solid path to walk upon. I'll leave you with this verse, which has changed my perspective on...well, lots of things! Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."