Keziah Samuel

Keziah Samuel '08

Major:  Business, Minors in Economics and Communications
Country you grew up in: India
Nationality: Indian
Parent Occupation: Father is an education entrepreneur and is on the board of advisors for couple private equity firms in India, Late mother was a teacher by profession turned homemaker by choice
High School: Bishop Cotton Girls’ School
Current Occupation: Client Guideline Management Analyst at a global investment management firm, Alliance Bernstein, in New York. 

Out of thousands of schools in the U.S., why Calvin?
India is a country whose religious majority is not Christian, my interactions with the Christian community was restricted to the four walls of my church. I was looking for a deeper sense of a faith integrated living, supported by a strong community of Christians. Through my early interactions with the Calvin staff and students, I was reassured of a genuinely God centered loving approach that was distinctly different from other academia options. This was also my first time away from home, and I was looking to be in a small classroom setting, where individual care is given to each student’s varying needs. The liberal arts curriculum offered at Calvin is challenging, but opens one up to a world of possibilities.

What opportunities for spiritual growth did you participate in?
In my time at Calvin, the biggest opportunity for spiritual growth came through the unique community. My faith was continually encouraged and challenged by peers and faculty alike on a daily basis. Additionally, I was a part of a bible study group called, Bible Bonanza, found a local church home at Grand Rapids First, and attended chapel services on campus, which collectively helped aid my growth.

What was helpful about the students resources at Calvin?
As an international student, there really is no place like Calvin. From the time I stepped foot on Grand Rapids soil, all details were meticulously cared for, right through the point of my graduation. The international students support staff was amiable and ever present, making Grand Rapids feel like a home away from home. Faculty advisors and staff are phenomenally capable and they ensured that my academic goals were achieved.  Apart from academia, I was also involved in student organizations such as International Students Association Committee, Rangeela and Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), which have provided me with invaluable skills and experience that go beyond my four years.

What was the community like at Calvin?
I found people at Calvin to be foremost genuine and caring. This deep sense of goodness stems from the fact they have a sincere love for God that fuels all they do. Through the good times and the bad, there were always people I could rely on to provide Godly counsel or just plain comic relief. Grand Rapids does not have a ton of outside recreation options, this coupled with the difficult weather often, rendered us on campus in each other’s company. This over time has helped develop some of the deepest friendships I have till date. It’s a good feeling when you know you can travel almost anywhere in the world and see a familiar face.

How did Calvin prepare you for your career of choice?
College years are arguably, a pivotal point in helping shape one’s future purpose, and I can affirm that my time at Calvin has helped discover certain passions and abilities I never thought existed. From the start I was always encouraged to seek my calling. From the way the professors integrated it into lessons to one-on-one talks with friends and mentors. At the crux of everything lied the desire to serve God first in everything you do, be it on the mission field or in business (as it is in my case). This simple realization has laid the foundation for discovering my passions in the financial markets, travel and culture and serving in various ministries in my local church. 

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