Alumni College Panel

Quotes from the BCS Homecoming Alumni College Panel December ‘02

Young alumni were asked how well BCS had prepared them for college and beyond and were asked for their advice to present BCS High School Students.

Lindsay Buchan (‘00), UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA:

"Take AP’s (Advanced Placement Classes) and take the tests–the semester’s worth of work prepares you the best for college. Intercollegiate sports have been great experiences for me." (Lindsay is a nationally ranked sailor and competes worldwide.)

Jordan Husband (‘02), Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA:

"I was better prepared academically than I expected. My education at BCS more than adequately prepared me. I feel ahead of some of the other students, especially in Math. Narrow down the number of schools you want to apply to –avoid writing lots of essays and putting in time preparing applications for schools you really aren’t interested in. I didn’t have a life because I was so busy applying to schools. Apply to your best three or four schools."

David Dean (‘02), UW Honors Program, Seattle, WA:

David attended BCS from preschool. "BCS prepared me very well for the UW. Make sure to take Apologetics at BCS!" (David can be spotted at BCS games rooting for his brothers – he usually has a physics or chemistry book with him!)

Dana Faw (‘00), Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA:

"BCS prepared me very well for college." This is a great compliment coming from a very directed pre–med student. Dana likes the ability to set her own schedule in college. She has enjoyed learning more about other faiths. "Professors can be valuable resources–initiate relationships with them."

Bryan Otis (‘98), Whitworth College (‘02), Spokane, WA:

"The academic load was rigorous enough during high school to make the transition to college smooth–this year’s graduates won’t be shocked. Seek your own answers but know what you believe as you enter college. Everyone is just as scared as you are. Keep your door open (in the dorm) and welcome the experience of meeting new people. Small colleges and universities provide the best opportunity to develop relationships with students and faculty. People respect you if you stand firm in your beliefs about drinking, etc." (Bryan kept the audience laughing – drop by the SeaStar restaurant in Bellevue and see for yourself why BCS students enjoyed him so much.)

Brian Douma (‘97), Calvin College (‘01), Grand Rapids, MI:

"Read as much as possible to prepare yourself for the reading required in college. Choose friends wisely. Choose Christian friends for off–campus living." (Brian is giving back to BCS as a wonderful basketball coach for junior high boys and an assistant coach for the BCS boys’ varsity team.)

Matt Sargent (‘99), Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA:

"I was well prepared for college especially in the areas of Math, Science, writing and sharing my faith."

Kirsten Breilh (‘00), Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA:

"Don’t slack off your senior year, you will benefit later by keeping up the pace. Really pray about the school you will attend; leave your heart open to where you’re feeling called to–be willing to go out of state. Taking AP Biology at BCS made such a difference – I was well ahead of my college peers. Taking AP calculus took care of my Math requirements and Math Analysis at BCS covered content some were learning for the first time in my statistics class. AP English is the key to writing successfully in college."

Susan Heller (‘00), Capernwray Bible School, England/UW, Seattle, WA:

"Junior year research papers helped prepare me for writing in college. Don’t take relationships with teachers at BCS for granted. Be open to the Greek system as a living option. In a public school, it’s a great way to be around non–Christians. Stay in Bible study for accountability. English is ten times easier at the UW after taking AP English at BCS."

Seth Williams (‘02), BCC, Bellevue, WA:

"Start applying and thinking through plans as early as possible."

Sarah Brakebill, (‘02) Northeastern College, Boston, MA:

"Take as many hard classes as you can and work hard to develop good study habits."

Ingrid Sorensen (‘00) WWU, Bellingham, WA:

"Have an idea what your important classes will be for your major and take them your freshman year to avoid overlapping."

Marcia Hermiller (‘00), Northwest College, Kirkland, WA and Oxford University, England:

"Take advantage of overseas experiences. It is growing and stretching to go somewhere where you’re not known."

Jaishuk Hong (‘00), University of Chicago, Chicago, IL:

"Live on campus, it is too isolating to live in an apartment."

Christin Haehl,(‘02) University of Oregon, Eugene, OR:

"I think that the biggest change that I have had to deal with, is not a change that has anything to do with academics..., it is simply that I am one of a few Christians in a very non-Christian environment. Already this year I have had a professor take me aside after class, after he found out that I went to a Christian school, and literally tell me that his mission in life is to tell "people like me" (Christians) that we are wrong in what we believe. Even my friends that have gone to Christian schools have had to defend their faith at some points... It is so important to get all you can out of BCS. There are some amazing things to experience and learn while you are there. We are placed at BCS so we can grow and become strong in our foundation of Christ to prepare for being alone, or what may feel like being alone, in the world." Go Ducks!! (excerpted from her letter to BCS students)