Written by Carissa Nisly, ’26
I remember sitting across from my admissions counselor years ago, sipping my cold brew with pumpkin spice foam. I was enthused about the prospect of going to Hillsdale, but I was equally concerned about the many challenges I would face to get there. Following our conversation about all things Hillsdale, my admissions counselor kindly asked me if I had any questions for her. The one question eating away at me was this: “Is Hillsdale worth it?” The College is located over 20 hours from my house in Florida, and the cost of a college education seemed daunting at the time. Would the drive and the monetary commitment be worth it? I was certainly unsure. But without hesitation, she said, “Yes!”
These are temporary things that may cause hardship, but they occur for only a moment at a time, she explained. The community, culture, and learning that exist at Hillsdale will develop your heart and mind. Thus, the choice to go to Hillsdale College will not only affect the next four years of your life, but also your life after college. It will affect how you behave as a citizen, a human being, a parent, and a friend. It will affect how you live and what you believe about the world around you. But most importantly, it will provide an eternal reward.
My admissions counselor is the reason I am here. I know that every word out of her mouth was certainly true. Hillsdale is worth every penny, every hard goodbye, and every tear. I’ve met the bridesmaids who will be in my wedding one day. I’ve learned countless truths about who God has created me to be, but most importantly, I’ve grown closer to my savior, Jesus Christ. For that reason, Hillsdale is undeniably worth it.
I will admit that my friends often hear me say that I am a Midwest girl at heart. Nonetheless, Florida has always been my home. It didn’t take long, though, for me to see Hillsdale as my home away from home. Moving across the country for college is no easy feat, but Hillsdale certainly makes it easier. First, you are surrounded by incredibly high-quality people. It’s not hard to make friends when everyone around you is worthy to be one. The community is the second reason I chose to come to Hillsdale. RAs, professors, and campus mentors truly care about who you are and who you are becoming. They choose to invest in you every time they see you. I remember the hugs, the cards, and the sweet smiles of my freshman year RAs. They still say hi and ask how I’m doing when they see me around campus. Their impact made me realize that I wanted to love people that way, too. I’ve been an RA for the past two years, and I get to pour into others the same way that my RAs poured into me.
It’s not hard to fill your time here on campus. Campus activities certainly make being away from home a little sweeter. Here at Hillsdale, I work with the radio station, Athletic Department, and Admissions. I coach soccer and volleyball to kids in the community. And, recently, I’ve gotten involved with Campus Rec, planning sports leagues and events. Trust me when I say that winning or losing league championships will draw you closer to those on your team. The best thing about Hillsdale, however, has been the Christian community. The Bible studies, the worship nights, and the Christ-centered relationships make Hillsdale the lovely place that it is.
Truthfully, I don’t know what my life will hold after Hillsdale. After I graduate, I may start a personal training business, become a sports photographer, or join a ministry to proclaim the name of Jesus. I took the step to come to Hillsdale in faith. I’ll take the next one in faith, too. Wherever the Lord calls me is where I shall go.
I’ll leave you with this bit of encouragement. Heed the call. Take the step. Make the leap (or drive). Hillsdale is worth it, so go all in. If God is calling you here, He will provide. You’ll learn once you are here that strength rejoices in the challenge, even if that strength is God’s and not your own.
Carissa Nisly, ’26, is studying religion at Hillsdale. She works with WRFH Radio Free Hillsdale, the Admissions Office, and Campus Rec, and she plays intramural sports.
Published in October 2024
