Bethel Magazine Spring 2019

5 Spring 2019 Jalen Alexander – Math Education; Special Education minor Math Education major (with a minor in Special Education) Jalen Alexander is gearing up to teach middle school math after graduation, with the hopes of eventually transitioning to special education. He’s just finishing up his student teaching at Clay International Academy, and has had fieldwork experiences in nearby districts including School City of Mishawaka, Penn-Harris-Madison, Concord and others. On campus, he’s been involved in Track & Field, Spiritual Life team, and served as a math tutor in the Learning Commons. “I’ve had so many great coaches and professors that have helped me develop in my relationship with God, my academics and my sport (track).” Allison Coffeen – English English major Allison Coffeen is a member of Bethel’s founding Lacrosse team, and currently serves as captain. Other campus involvement includes being manager of the Rugby team, editor of the “Bethel Beacon,” participant in the Writer’s Circle (club) and part of the Blu Crew (admission summer team). After graduation, Coffeen will travel to Alaska on a Bethel Task Force Trip before heading off to the Netherlands to play in an international lacrosse tournament with Team USA (she was selected along with teammate Kennedy Lower for this honor). When she returns from her travels, she plans to work with the Parks Department for the city of New Buffalo, Mich. “The most impactful part of my Bethel experience was being involved with beginning the legacy of Bethel Lacrosse.” Zechariah Good – Worship Arts Worship Arts major Zechariah Good is one of the first four-year graduates of this relatively new major. As a student, he spent time in Nashville, Tenn., recording two albums alongside music industry experts Billy Smiley and Jonathan Crone. He even wrote and recorded an original song, “Sweet Holy Spirit,” which appeared on the 2018 album “Heartcry.” On campus, Good led Chapel Band for two years and the Vespers worship band for one year; he also was in the Concert Choir and played Rugby for one season. Additionally, he served as an intern with the Nappanee Missionary Church SOAR program. Good plans to work as a worship pastor after graduation. “Bethel helped me step outside my comfort zone and see who I was in ministry. It showed me my role in ministry, pinpointed what I should be doing … helped me grow.” Spencer French – Christian Ministries and Philosophy Christian Ministries and Philosophy double major Spencer French has his sights set on graduate school, where he’ll pursue a master’s in divinity at his first choice – Yale University, with full scholarship plus stipend. He was accepted to every school he applied to; in addition to Yale: Princeton Theological Seminary, Boston University School of Theology and Chandler School of Theology at Emory University. While at Bethel, he’s been involved in the Bethel College Honors program, served as an RAR (resident assistant roommate) for Oakwood-Slater (men’s dorm), and spent a semester abroad in South Africa, focused on racial reconciliation. He also served as an intern at Keller Park Church in South Bend. “The professors (and other mentors) should take credit for 95 percent of my spiritual growth on campus. They truly listened and patiently journeyed alongside [me].” Jaclyn Holmes – Communication Communication major Jaclyn Holmes spent a semester in Australia as part of the CCCU Best Semester program that she describes as life-changing. On campus, she was involved in the Bethel College Honors Program, the Billy Kirk Leadership Program, the “Bethel Beacon,” and also played lacrosse her freshman year. She held internships with Marketing and Communications and Admissions on campus, and is currently doing a fieldwork experience with THOR Industries in Elkhart, working in their LEAP (Learn, Engage, Achieve, Perform) program. After graduation, she plans to combine her interest in social media with her passion for people by working in a social media position. “[Spending a semester in Australia] changed my perspective on the world and ignited a passion in me for world issues, community, and my place in it all.” Wesley Mast – Sign Language Interpreting Sign Language Interpreting major Wesley Mast has spent 10 weeks on an interpreting practicum (a requirement for his major) with Valley Center of the Deaf in Phoenix, Ariz., which allowed him to put into practice everything he’s learned over the last four years. Post-graduation, Mast has been offered a job as a contract interpreter for both Community Services With All Deaf in Indiana, and Valley Center of the Deaf in Arizona. This will allow him to contract with multiple agencies in different cities and work for them when he is in each area. Over the next few years, he plans to interpret full-time in Bethel’s mission is to transform communities through Christ-centered graduates. Here, we feature several members of Bethel College’s final graduating class, before we become Bethel University on May 6. These outstanding seniors have been stretched, challenged and equipped to serve in their various disciplines. Read the greatest takeaways from their Bethel experiences, and what they plan to do after graduation.