Sophia Vander Kooy ('20) is a political science and international studies major with an unofficial passion for taking creative writing classes. She was the Production Manager at the Anchor during the spring semester of 2020, and previously served as the Editor-in-Chief. She is also a member of the Women's Track and Cross Country teams at Hope, the STEP Community Outreach Student Director and the Co-President of Hope Yoga. Sophia loves writing, being outside, cooking, running and connecting with all kinds of people. She has found the space to be herself at The Anchor and knows that she is not alone in that.
“I hope that we can look back on this time, have a cure for this, and know that the human race came together differently,” reached over through the phone from Jennie Yonker. Although many are not often acknowledged, the Anchor would not be possible without infinite people coming to work, innovating and doing their jobs….
This quote brought to the world by H. Ross Perot demanded attention throughout the Jim Crow Forum on Wednesday evening: “The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.” Dr. David Pilgrim, an applied sociologist, public speaker, leading expert on race relations…
“Our primary focus is to prepare students for the Church as grateful lifelong followers of Jesus Christ,” proclaims the introduction of the Campus Ministries’ mission statement. For many students, the tri-weekly event of Chapel nurtures discipleship and encourages mindfulness in the midst of busy college schedules. However, there are also a number of students that…
The scents, flavors and annual activities of fall are iconic aspects of life in Michigan, but these often sugar-coated and static activities can leave those who partake feeling groggy and ready to hibernate for a long winter. Holland, with leaves already beginning to blush and pumpkin spice filling the downtown coffee shops, makes for a…
The first few weeks of a New Year leave many wandering back to the first day of school: the goals have been written out, the books have been purchased, and the schedules are highlighted to greet the unexpected with ease. The management firm of FranklinCovey predicts that, on average, the majority of New Year’s resolutions…
In a blink, in a wink, in one more life-flash-before-my-eyes moment while crossing the street, I will be home. I can feel the cold Michigan wind against the tip of my nose, hear the Christmas music, and see the lights glow against snow covered Holland pines. Yet when I pull away from that excitement and…
“Part of being an American abroad means answering questions.” If I had heard this statement prior to my experience in India, I would have judged it and coated in the lens of egotistical nationalism. However, I am learning to put down the sword and recognize the truth. Sure, the U.S. has a problem with placing…
This past week, I have been deeply stuck in homesickness. The last month of my program is an internship phase, which has moved me away from my friends, homestay and program staff to an entirely new community and city. I know I am tough, I know I am being proactive and I know I can…
As Jaipur, the city that has welcomed me since I first arrived, spins with the lights and life of Diwali, I feel myself trying to hang onto a constant, to slow down. I know I just got over the halfway point. I know I still have a month and a half left. I know there…
I grew up in the flatlands of Indiana with little reference to just how high a mountain could be. I have been given the opportunity to travel around and see the rocky skyline of Arizona and the winding pine-covered mountains of the Adirondacks. However, neither of these experiences could have prepared me for the Himalayas….