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Brian Skinner
Hometown: Clay Center, Kansas
Class of 2012
What’s your major? Why did you choose it?
I am a history ed and special ed major. I chose history because I have always loved history, and I love the way that it changes in the sense that every event can be looked at with different perspectives, and even more differently in various time periods. I chose special ed, because I was doing some observations for my history ed degree, and had to do some special ed observation, just as a requirement. Without that as my intended purpose, I was really blown away by the experience that I had while helping with special ed enough to make me ad that as an endorsement for my teachers license. n
What brought you to Bethel?
I was introduced to Bethel by the fact that I have family that live in the area, and siblings who have gone to Bethel before me, but what brought me here was the emphasis on academics and the personalness of student teacher relationships, that I feel is created greatly from the small class sizes, and the extreme quality of the professors.
What activities have you been involved in?
I have been involved in cross country, leading hymn sing, informal worship, leading a small group Bible study, forensics, the chapel planning committee, various intramurals, tutoring at the C.A.D, being a student ambassador, concert choir, wind ensemble, and the musical/opera.
How are you different now from when you first arrived on campus?
I feel that I am much different in the way that I think about things. Bethel has really helped to make me more open-minded, and has also really refined my studying and learning abilities.
For what are you most proud of Bethel?
I am proud of Bethel for the way that everyone seems to mesh well with everyone else. There are still the athletes, the band members and so on, but it is not like it was in high school, because each of those groups at Bethel intermix with each other, and make it a really pleasant environment to be part of.
How would you like to see Bethel change or improve in the next five years?
In the next five years, I would like to see Bethel be able to bring back some of the majors that have been let go and try to expand its course options even more.
What has been your favorite course so far, and why?
My favorite course so far has been U.S. History I with Pennelope Moon, because I really found it easy to be compatible with her teaching styles. She explained things in ways that were interesting, descriptive, and worth remembering. I also loved how she would start each class with personal talk saying, “What’s new since last we met?” or “Anything new in the news?” It really made class start a lot better and more relaxed that just starting right in with coursework.
Tell a quick story about a memorable moment from your Bethel days.
A memorable moment for me is when I was actually just a prospective, and I listened to the concert choir for the first time, and thought, “Wow, I would love to be a part of this choir,” and then when I was finally able to become part of the choir, and having all of the joys of singing with so many great singers.
What does it mean to be a Thresher?
To me being a Thresher fits in with the thought I expressed of everyone “meshing” well. Being a Thresher means being able to come into the Bethel community and add your individuality as you mix in with everyone else.