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Greg Shelly
Hometown: Lenexa, Kansas
Class of 2011
What’s your major? Why did you choose it?
I am double majoring in mathematics and Spanish, with the intent to get my secondary education license as well. I chose these majors because mathematics has always intrigued and challenged me, and Spanish has always been interesting and fun. The education part is my enjoyment in helping others to understand something that they previously found confusing or difficult, and seeing them take that and move on to learn more.
What brought you to Bethel?
My parents both attended Bethel when they were in college, and along with having family in the Newton area (my aunt does teach here as well) I was attracted to the smaller school size that would allow me to get to know more people more closely than just a superficial “facebook only’ relationship, and the opportunity to keep pursuing activities I found enjoyable in high school such as soccer, choir and student government.
What activities have you been involved in?
I am a men's soccer player, a member of the Concert Choir as well as a baritone in the Open Road ensemble. I also am a Senator on Student Senate, work for the athletic department on Athletic Event Staff, am the head student assistant for Intramurals, and tutor in the CAD. I also am a member of the chapel planning committee.
How are you different now from when you first arrived on campus?
I would say that I am more open to others’ opinions and attitudes towards different things. That does not mean I will readily accept them as my own, but I am learning to distinguish more between what I believe is right and true and the opinions that others have. I also feel more secure with who I am and the friends I have and the decisions I make.
For what are you most proud of Bethel?
I am proud of the way people are accepting and willing to help others. The community feeling here is really incredible, and the fact that people take the time to actually know other people is impressive and humbling to me at the same time. I also enjoy the way that the professors and other non-education staff reach out and try to get to know the students. I consider myself pretty good friends with Gregg Dick, who works in the Business Office, and Chad Schilling, the volleyball coach. Neither of these areas am I really involved in, and yet I know these great people who I wouldn’t normally if they didn’t make it available to get to know them.
How would you like to see Bethel change or improve in the next five years?
I would like to see Bethel become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly all around. I know there are efforts now to get that ball rolling, but for the future of our planet and the college, I think “going green” on campus could have a real benefit.
What has been your favorite course so far, and why?
My overall favorite course(s) so far most likely have been Intro to Biblical Studies and Psychological Foundations of Education. I know neither is in my major area, but that’s another great thing about Bethel–the liberal arts education that allows you to explore different areas of interest. The Intro to Biblical Studies was great in giving me a historical background of the Bible so I could see where the writers were coming from and the historical influences they were under–it wasn’t one of my favorites just because it was taught by my aunt, but that was fun as well. I wish I could take more Bible and Religion courses, if I had the time. For Psychological Foundations, that class was enjoyable in the way Rodney Frey taught it. He taught certain concepts using the concepts themselves, so you were involved in the theory while learning about it. It really opened your eyes and showed you exactly how certain techniques worked, and you knew they did because I was effective on you when he employed them.
Tell a quick story about a memorable moment from your Bethel days.
There are so many memorable moments from my two and a half years (so far) here that I don’t think one will do justice. From numerous choir performances, Open Road shows here on campus and in area churches, to soccer game after soccer game and other Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts concerts, my time here has been great. Honestly, though, I’ll just tell a short, kind of inconsequential moment. My freshman year I was already involved as intramurals staff, but also was a member of a 5 v 5 basketball team. It was nearing the end of the half in one of our games, and a teammate of mine, Darren Ramsey, intercepted the ball on a long, down-court pass. With only 5 seconds or so left, he threw the ball over his shoulder to me, standing near mid-court. I immediately turned and threw the ball up a few steps in our backcourt towards the basket…and it went right in. Later I was told by teammate Grant Hiebner that, “I saw the ball go our of your hands and I thought no…no…no…but then I saw it and thought, hey, that has a chance. And it went in.” That is just an example of the fun and bonding you can experience here at Bethel.
What does it mean to be a Thresher?
To be a Thresher, to me, means to be open to others, to explore all your areas of interest, to take pride in competing for your college, and to have a great time with new friends wherever you may be on campus.