Profiles - Students

Sarah DeHoog Major undecided, Class of 2008 Tunis, Tunisia and Marseille, France More Student Profiles

Life Before College

I grew up in both Tunisia (North Africa) and France, I am actually Canadian-American in nationality, and TCK (Third Culture Kid) in culture.

I spent most of my life in Tunisia, attending an Arabic and then a French school there. I loved living surrounded by different cultures, languages, and nationalities. My dad was the Pastor of one of the two French speaking protestant churches in Tunisia, and our home was open to a constant stream of visitors. When I was sixteen, we moved to Marseilles. France was different and challenging; I attended a secular French high school where there were few Christians, was immersed in a new culture and had to make new friends.

Fitting In

When it came time to start looking for a college, I decided that I wanted to attend a Christian school. Key factors in choosing Calvin were:

• the possibility for an academic challenge
• the wide variety of majors (which I am thankful for as I do not know what I will be studying)
• the emphasis placed on the international community here
• and the proximity to my mom's family

Life at Calvin

I've kept quite busy here at Calvin: academics first of all, then hanging out with friends, working here at the Admissions office, and being part of the leadership of Mu Kappa, an MK (Missionary Kid) and TCK student organization. There are many opportunities to get involved spiritually with Bible Studies and other groups. As a sophomore, this is my second year living in the dorms, and what I like the most about it is the possibility to chat and hang out with 39 other girls at any time of the day (or night). I live on the Mosaic floor, a special community designed for people who emphasize culture and learning from each other. I love that through this floor, I interact with people who are TCKs like me, as well as Americans, American minorities, and International students.

Calvin also has a number of programs to participate in. Last summer I couldn't go home, so instead I went to Colorado to work at a YMCA there with the Calvin Leadership Institute. We worked full-time, but we also had Calvin professors come and give lectures on leadership topics every week. I really enjoyed being challenged in how I think about leadership, as well as get to work in a craft shop all summer! This year I am also participating in the McGregor Scholars Program, an honor's program for select sophomores, and have appreciated the intellectual challenge it has presented.

About Sarah

As for some odd facts about me, my favorite hobbies are reading, painting, and other various crafts; I love having deep conversations with my friends and parents; I have two younger bothers; and finally, I would love to hear from you at intladm@calvin.edu — just make sure to put my name in the subject line!