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Sarah Unruh
Hometown: Raytown, Missouri
Class of 2012
What’s your major? Why did you choose it?
I am majoring in Business and minoring in Communication Arts and Mathematics. Before I set foot on campus I knew I wanted to go into development and event planning for nonprofit organizations, so the Business major was a no-brainer. I have been in debate and forensics for 6 years and developed an interest in Communication Arts so decided to take the opportunity to explore it. As I’ve journeyed as Bethel student, I’ve gained the confidence to attempt areas of study I may have previously found challenging, so I took on Mathematics as well. My philosophy is that I'm not paying for a college education to learn something I already knew.
What brought you to Bethel?
My family has a strong connection to Bethel and I grew up in a Mennonite environment, so I was always intrigued by Bethel. During my visit day, I met with Dr. McFarland about my interest in nonprofit work and her enthusiasm for helping me reach my goals in a way that fit me best was very encouraging. I also was attracted to the ability to pursue academic interests while continuing competition in forensics.
What activities have you been involved in?
Since becoming a freshman, I have been a member of the forensics squad every year, a student ambassador, and am currently serving my first year as a student senator.
How are you different now from when you first arrived on campus?
I think, as cliche as it may be, I’ve really broadened my horizons since first arriving on campus. The culture of Bethel is one that encourages students to try new things and to think critically. I feel like I have done things I would not have had the courage to do in high school.
For what are you most proud of Bethel?
Bethel’s community makes me the most proud. As a prospective student, I was drawn in by the caring atmosphere. Freshman year, I was again surprised by strangers' willingness to help me out of tough situations, just because that's what students here do.
How would you like to see Bethel change or improve in the next five years?
Over the next five years, I would love for Bethel to really expand its diversity. While it’s important to recognize Bethel's Mennonite roots, that reputation may keep some prospective students away. We're headed in the right direction, but I think we have a ways to go.
What has been your favorite course so far, and why?
I have really enjoyed almost everything I've taken at Bethel, there is so much to learn! But the class that I learned the most and really cherished was Emerson Meets Management. A former president, LaVerne Epp, came back and taught this course over Interterm my sophomore year. We read the essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson and applied them to management theory. I enjoyed it because we had such a small class and such great discussion. I learned more than management technique; I learned about myself and my peers.
Tell a quick story about a memorable moment from your Bethel days.
I think one of my favorite moments has to be from my second semester of freshman year. I had an extra mattress in my room from a prospective student staying with me, so before I returned it to the closet, my friends and I decided to go mattress surfing. We took the mattress halfway across campus, into the old science hall, and took turns riding it down the ridiculously steep stairs. We even tried to see how many people we could fit on one mattress. It was hilarious!
What does it mean to be a Thresher?
Often times, we hear talk of the seven cogs of the threshing stone and how each represents a different Bethel value. I believe that being a Thresher means finding those seven values that create your own threshing stone, within this wonderful community. My two years that I’ve been here have put into perspective what I truly value and appreciate.