Okay, everyone, let’s meet Jaxon. He can’t wait to tell you about finding community and belonging at Northwestern through all kinds of unexpected avenues. UNW is constantly making improvements to the student experience, including new ways for students to explore challenging topics in chapel and engaging campus wide events. Jaxon, we have questions and you have answers. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey. When I started thinking about my college experience, I actually had my heart set on another school. It was important to me to both further my education and my spiritual growth. It was my mom who actually inspired me, if you will, to apply to the University of Northwestern, and at the end of the day, I’m super glad it turned out the way it did. UNW really won me over through the basketball recruiting process, but my first year playing was rough. I got injured less than halfway through the season and spent months figuring out what was wrong. One of my coaches asked me what the Lord was telling me through this journey, and I realized the Lord used basketball to get me to Northwestern, but that’s not why he wanted me at Northwestern. I was having a really hard time swallowing this pill, but at the end of my first year, I got recommended to be an admissions tour guide. I got to help cultivate student leadership and pour into potential incoming students through tours and admission events. I’d say it has been one of the most fun things for me. The community here is everything. Being completely transparent, life is hard. College is hard. When life has gotten hard for me, the Northwestern community has shown me nothing but grace. I’m able to have conversations with professors, deans, public safety officers, and all other staff members. Everyone here is unique and there’s a culture of love. The small campus allows you to see familiar faces and truly become part of the community. At Northwestern, I’ve learned the importance of investing in one another. We may not always agree, but with respect and love, we can cultivate a sense of belonging. That’s what’s special about Northwestern. Take it back, Alex.
– Jaxon, it’s so cool to see how God called you to Northwestern. The environment at UNW is what truly creates long lasting friendships and relationships. Fostering these connections with peer, staff, and faculty really allows students to have an immersive campus experience. Thanks so much, Jaxon.
Now, introducing Caleb. He’s had two internships so far in his time at Northwestern, one in Washington, DC and another in the Minnesota State senate. His story is powerful. His original internship in Washington DC got canceled, but his professor reached out through his network to create a new internship for Caleb. Caleb, tell us more.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex and hey everyone. When I was a kid, deciding what I wanted to do with my life was really difficult. I wanted to find something that I was passionate about, but also something that I could build into a strong career. Once I landed on politics, I was drawn towards the University of Northwestern. They had the exact program I was looking for and I was already familiar with UNW through my parents who are both alumni. One of my greatest opportunities was an internship in Washington DC with United States Senator Tim Scott. This experience gave me a closeup view into how the government is run from participating in constituent representation, to leading tours of the Capitol building and even helping to author some legislation. On a personal level, my time in this internship helped me to channel my passion for politics into a more specific career path of teaching. It also taught me a lot about collaborating with and encouraging those with different political views and backgrounds than my own. My faith is a huge part of my life, and I can’t imagine a better school environment for a growing Christian. We have chapel daily and classes focused on spiritual growth, but what sticks out to me the most is the strong Christian community on campus. I have supportive brothers and sisters in Christ who have walked with me through my faith journey and every challenge that life throws at me. I’ve taken on several leadership roles, including being on student government and president of the Christians for Liberty Club. This is all to solidify the valuable skills that UNW has given me for leading in a godly and serving way before I have the privilege of going out and doing it in the world. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Caleb, through internships, leadership roles, and a powerful Christian community, you’ve built a strong foundation for a meaningful career. Truly an inspiring example of living out faith in action. It’s so great to see Northwestern encourage and support you through those opportunities. Thanks, Caleb.
We can’t wait for you to meet Maisy. She is so involved around campus and serves as a Resident Disciple Assistant. At UNW, along with Resident Assistants, every dorm has a Resident Disciple Assistant that leads with the RA and helps foster community and spiritual development in the dorms. In her spare time, she’s also a football super fan. Take it away, Maisy.
– Thanks, Alex, I chose Northwestern because of its intentional and relational environment. Coming from a public school, I wanted to be in an enriching Christian community where I could grow spiritually while pursuing my calling. Upon my first visit here, I knew it was exactly where I needed to be. When I arrived, I thought I knew enough about the Trinity in the Bible, yet I was still filled with a lot of doubt. God has truly transformed me here. Classes cover the Bible, its interpretation, Christian living, and God is woven into everything we do here. The professors pray over you, integrate scripture in their classes, and they intentionally invest in your lives. The biggest impact I had was a Holy Spirit class where I learned about the power and authority we’re given, that we can do everything Jesus did and more because what he did was by the spirit and the gifts we are given and can seek after. In that class, my professor prayed over my spine as I have scoliosis. Miraculously, as he prayed, the upper half of my spine completely straightened. It was the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced. I’ve gained some incredible friends here who are a daily answer to prayer. They’re the most genuine God honoring people I’ve ever met. We do all sorts of things together, whether that’s going on road trips, attending events and sports games. We play spike ball. I even lead a Bible study with them. In fact, last season I went to almost every football game, not just home games, but away games too. I even drove 12 hours to one game, so some might say I’m a super fan. As a resident discipleship assistant, I intentionally invest in women’s lives and teach them about the Bible. Northwestern has allowed me to become a leader, fully trusting in God. The school shapes its students into to becoming servant leaders full of the spirit who spend time with Christ to become like him. I have learned so much here and I’m so excited to see how God uses me and equips me for his purpose. Well, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Maisy, that was incredible to hear about how your spine was healed in class. Your story is so powerful and it’s awesome to see how you’ve grown in your faith and been equipped to help others grow in theirs. Thanks again for sharing your story, Maisy. That was awesome.
All right, let’s hear from Carter. UNW has one of the largest stages in the Twin Cities area that includes a fly space, an elevated orchestra pit, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment. Carter, tell us all about the thriving art scene at Northwestern and in the Twin Cities. Take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. I had a unique childhood as my family owned a theater company and I was involved in every aspect. When I was looking at colleges, I wanted a theatrical education that would strengthen my current skills and challenge me to develop more. The University of Northwestern has provided that growth with the bonus of being Christ-centered. A week after I got to UNW, the theater department hosted a big party and offered freshmen the opportunity to join the first show of the season as crew. I jumped at the chance and it was a blast. UNW Theater has so many opportunities to get involved and put yourself out there that it’s hard not to be involved. There are tons of interactive classes for new and returning students alike. The University of Northwestern has two performance spaces, Knight Performance Hall or KPH, which is one large performance space, as well as the Patsy Miller Studio Theater, which is our black box space. Both of these spaces provide a great challenge in acting or designing. The opportunities to shine don’t lie only on the stage, but off stage or in the classroom as well. A recurring comment we get from our audiences is how our performances feel different, and that’s because we don’t create art to glorify ourselves. Instead, we create art to glorify our heavenly father. You can see this at events like our theater performances, dance showcases, art galleries, festivals, band and choir concerts, and more throughout the year. I’ve already taken what I’ve learned here at UNW to the real world. I’ve staged several of my own shows with the help of the community I’ve built and the knowledge I’ve gained from UNW. Being a theater major is about pursuing your creative dreams and UNW allows me to pursue my dreams confidently. Back to you, Alex.
– Carter it’s amazing that you’ve already staged multiple shows of your own as a junior, absolutely incredible. We love that you’ve been prepared with purpose to pursue your creative dreams, and it’s awesome to hear about how you’ve grown in your faith through a Christ-centered education on and off stage. Thanks again, Carter.
Let’s meet Ethan. He’s a member of one of Northwestern’s Choral ensembles. From 300 musicians on stage during Christmas at Northwestern to intimate chamber ensembles, UNW has offerings to serve both the aspiring music performer as well as the dedicated non-major. Ethan, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. As a junior in high school, I was drawn to the University of Northwestern for their commitment to Biblical Truth, strong business program, and opportunities to stay involved on campus. As a singer, I was especially excited about joining the choir. ♪ Jesus I adore thee ♪ ♪ Lord of truth and peace ♪
– Unlike many universities, Northwestern provides the opportunity for non-music majors like me, a business administration and Bible major to be an integral part of their music programs. In addition to our Christmas at Northwestern performances, my favorite memory was touring England and Scotland my sophomore year. On just our second day and still a bit jet lagged, we kicked off our tour with a performance in Westminster Abbey where King Charles III had been crowned just weeks earlier and for the next two weeks, we sang our way through some of England’s finest cathedrals like Ely and Church of the Holy Sepulcher all with plenty of time to explore the likes of London, Cambridge, Oxford, and my personal favorite, Glasgow, Scotland, where we hiked the beautiful countryside. To top it off, our university president and his family joined us on tour, which made it extra special. If you’re a singer, this is the group you want to be a part of. Northwestern also has great athletic facilities available to all students in a vibrant intramural community. As a former athlete, getting to play on the basketball and volleyball intramural team here has been a great competitive outlet, place to make friends, and made for some of the best college memories along the way. The ability to balance academics and campus involvement is part of what makes Northwestern special. I’m so glad I could continue singing and enjoy athletics while still working two internships at Olympus and Ameriprise Financial that have prepared me for my next chapter. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Ethan, touring England and Scotland is an epic highlight to your time at Northwestern. You have been well equipped to use your spiritual gifts, relevant experience and applicable skills to go out and serve your communities and the world. That was great. Thanks again.
Alright, everyone, it’s time to meet Ari. She’s a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in marketing and she’s a volleyball athlete. New NW’s volleyball team is the winner of 13 consecutive conference championships and recently competed in the Elite eight NCAA national tournament. Take it away, Ari.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey guys. I decided that I wanted to play college volleyball after my sophomore year of high school, except I didn’t know what my next steps were. I went to a really small school where not a lot of people went on to play college athletics. I ended up touring about 15 different schools. After my first visit at Northwestern, I liked it, but I wasn’t entirely sold. It was after my second visit that I realized the best thing about this campus is the people. The team and staff that facilitated my visit had a huge impact on my decision to come to Northwestern. As an athlete, it’s easy to tell when people care more about how you’ll benefit their program than who you are as a person, but everyone at Northwestern made it clear that they cared about me as a person and a student before an athlete. It was really refreshing. After three years, I can say that hasn’t changed at all. Northwestern is such a community based campus and that’s what made my decision so easy. One of my favorite things about Northwestern’s community is seeing everybody come together at sporting events. Game days normally have a large turnout and it’s so fun playing in front of so many familiar faces. It makes home games feel like I’m really at my home. I know the connections I’ve made at UNW and the friends I’ve met here will follow me into the outside world after graduation. I’m so glad that I chose a campus that has equipped me not only with a degree, but with lifelong friends that’ll be by my side as I move into the next chapters of my life. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Ari, and thanks for sharing your experience as a student athlete at Northwestern. It’s so cool to hear about how the community comes together for sporting events and how you’ve been cared for as a whole person spiritually, mentally, and physically. Thanks again, Ari.
Let’s meet Josiah. Josiah is majoring in Marketing and is the Student Body President at Northwestern, but before that, he served in many leadership development roles. His story really shows the agility of the School of Business at UNW as well as the intentionality in preparing him to lead not only at Northwestern, but in the business world. Take it away, Josiah.
– Thanks, Alex. I’m glad to be here. When I was first looking for colleges, I wanted to find a place where I could not only get a quality education, but also grow in my spirituality and relationship with Christ. At University of Northwestern, I’ve lived on campus each year and I’m so grateful for the community and the opportunities to serve others. My leadership journey began with a resident assistant position, which for me opened the door into what it looked like to serve as a Christ-like leader on my campus. After that, I served as the assistant resident director for the men’s halls, and this year as the student body president for Northwestern, I’m really excited to see how God works through our team as we strive to benefit and also serve our students here. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the connections I’ve made. In my marketing classes, my core curriculum, and also Bible classes, I’ve met so many amazing students and faculty. My marketing courses and leadership opportunities have prepared me in so many ways. My marketing advisor has been instrumental in guiding me through determining what courses to take and career goals to set. In terms of extracurriculars and electives, I’ve loved being a part of choir. I love to sing, and choir is a way for me to use that talent. I’ve made so many friends through choir and being able to be a part of that community is awesome, especially when we can perform for schools and churches outside Northwestern. I’ve been able to work on fun and valuable projects, gain teamwork experience, and have been given so much freedom to be creative. Some of my favorite projects from a business class include creating promotional videos. For one project, I worked with a team to produce a campaign and advertisement for a local Chick-fil-A. I got to write, direct, and perform in it, which was a lot of fun and we even got to present our ideas to the Chick-fil-A managers. I’m so excited to take everything I’ve learned and apply it after graduation. Well, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Josiah, it is so cool that you got to direct, produce, and star in that commercial. That is awesome. It’s clear to see that you have a passion for the Northwestern community through your involvement around campus, and thanks for telling us about how UNW is preparing you for life beyond graduation. That is amazing. Thanks again.
Okay, let’s hear from Cassidy. She is a Resident Assistant in the first year dorms on campus. According to 2024 Niche ratings, UNW has the number one dorm room in the state of Minnesota. Cassidy can’t wait to share with us about how she got plugged into the community through residence life. Tell us more, Cassidy.
– Thanks Alex. Hey, everyone. My education has always been one of my top priorities. I loved reading and dreamed of finding faraway places to explore. I knew that I had to get out of my small town and find adventure, so I was beyond thrilled when I found the University of Northwestern. When I first arrived on campus, I was greeted by the amazing team that is residence life. It made me feel like I was valued and appreciated. The first thing my RA did was help me unload my multitude of things into my new dorm room. That theme of community was continued throughout my first year here and is what eventually inspired me to apply to become an RA myself. Opening my RA job offer was so invigorating. I even got to share a full circle moment with my RA by giving her a huge hug. The only thing that I could think about in that moment was the incredible girls that God would bless me with in the upcoming year. Residence life hosts all kinds of events. Some hall specific, some section specific, and some it doesn’t matter what building you live in at all. One of my favorite events is called Battle of the North, which is a competition of judge skits that takes place between halls to win the infamous gold trophy. I bet you can’t guess who took home the trophy last year. When I first started college, I would not have imagined how much I would grow, not only emotionally, but more importantly spiritually. I’m excited to take on the world with the Lord by my side as he guides me wherever my future needs me to go. That’s all for me Alex, take it back.
– Cassidy. That was amazing. We love how everyone is included in events no matter what dorm they live in. The collaborative environment truly allows students to create lasting friendships and relationships with one another. Fostering those connections really allows students to have an immersive campus experience. Thank you so much, Cassidy.
Meet Micah, a student in the MEL Johnson Center, the MEL, which is short for the Media ∂ntertainment Lab, as well as being a university facility. The MEL is also home to Northwestern Media, a national network that operates 16 media brands on 121 signals across 12 states. This sets UNW apart from other media programs in the state of Minnesota. Micah, tell us more.
– Thanks, Alex, I grew up homeschooled and then went to a Christian high school, so I knew that I wanted to continue being in a Christian environment for the rest of my education. University of Northwestern was always one of my top options as a student. The MEL, our campus media center is one of the places that feels like it has its own unique community. We’re able to challenge each other while also building each other up. Every year we have the annual Five16 film festival where we get to submit films and have a friendly competition for some of the awards, but what’s most fun is seeing each other’s work on the big screen shown in front of over a thousand people. The professors here have given us many resources to work with, including themselves. They’re all industry professionals who are teaching us how to tell stories and use film and video equipment, which we have access to rent here for free. This year, I’m one of the student leaders in our film workshop, a space where we as media students get to create and collaborate on small projects and larger films. One thing that sets us apart from other media programs is that we are very well connected with Northwestern Media and 98.5 KTIS, one of the top radio stations in the Twin Cities, and it’s right upstairs. Our collaboration with them has given many students, including myself, internships in radio and video, some even leading to full-time jobs after graduation. The key to being successful in the media production field is to show up and be willing to help out. That’s how we as Christians can spread the gospel by making connections with the people we work with. Well, that’s all for me. I got a trip to Italy. Actually how about Mars? Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Micah for sharing. It is so cool that you are able to use your spiritual gifts to make a kingdom impact through media production. The Five16 Film Festival is a campus wide event at Northwestern that students do not wanna mess. Thanks again.
Meet Janeese, an alumni with an Associate’s degree in Human Services. She transferred to the University of Montana to pursue a Bachelor’s in Social Work, exemplifying how ANC prepares students for seamless transitions to other universities. She took full advantage of ANC’s 2 + 2 program, which allows students to earn their Associate’s degree before transferring, setting a strong foundation for her continued education. You’re up, Janeese.
– Hey, Alex. Thanks for that introduction. I can remember being a high school senior and picking my top two college choices, but I felt staying at home was best. So there I was, a freshman at Aaniiih Nakoda College, ready to conquer the world, or so I thought. It unfortunately didn’t work out. It’s been eight years since then, and I had always told myself that when my children were old enough to attend school, I would go back, and I did just that. At Aaniiih Nakoda College, I love the sense of community, belonging, and, most importantly, the encouragement. Our staff and instructors are so helpful and make it clear that they care about us and our education. Not to mention ANC focuses on preparing students for their careers. Many of the programs here in corporate practical experiences like internships and hands-on training you can’t get anywhere else. This allows students to apply what they’ve learned out in the real world. ANC also partners with four-year universities through its 2 + 2 program where students can spend two years here to earn their associate’s degree and two years at another college to earn their bachelor’s degree. So I graduated from ANC with my associate’s degree in human services and now transferred to the social work program at the University of Montana. Thanks to ANC, I’m able to pursue my bachelor’s in social work after saving a lot of money my first two years. When I first started college, I never thought that I would pursue higher studies, but thanks to my wonderful advisors, I have now become a student of life, which gives me the confidence to use the education that I have received for a brighter future. That’s my story, Alex, back to you.
– Janeese, thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s wonderful that ANC has helped you feel prepared to broaden your educational horizons, and your determination, it’s truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see where your journey leads you next. Thanks again.