Natalie Ziemer, '18

B.S. in Biochemistry

How does the tuition cost of Grove City College compare to the other schools you looked at during your college selection?
Since I am paying for school, I looked for the best deal I could find. A Christian college in eastern PA offered me a scholarship, but even then, Grove City College was still cheaper, which did not offer me any scholarship.

How is faith incorporated in the classroom?
Many of the professors I had will either pray before lecture and/or before an exam asking God for a blessing over our time together as we study the assigned material for that particular day. In my physics class, my prof will actually spend the last five minutes of class every Friday and pick a verse that helps us regroup and refocus on what is really important. Also, one of my favorite classes, “Science, Faith and Technology,” actually investigates how science and faith can coexist for scientist who is a believer in Christ.

What drew you to choose biochemistry as your major?
I thoroughly enjoyed AP Biology, AP chemistry, and performing labs in high school, so I thought, “Huh, biochemistry, it’s the best of both worlds.” And indeed, I like how ordinary chemical mechanisms can be used to explain extraordinary biological systems. After taking a couple of semesters at Grove City College, I lean more towards the chemistry side now, and I appreciate the biology that the chemistry explains. Looking back, however, I am glad I chose biochemistry as my major and would not have changed a thing.

What is the relationship like between the students and the professors?
Most, if not all, professors will make an effort to know your name. They genuinely care about you and their mission in life is not to fail you; they are rooting for you and want you to do well. Office hours are a great time to not only ask questions about the material discussed in class, but also to chat and talk about life. There is mutual respect between student and prof. While professors maintain professionalism in their lecture/lab, they are also human with personalities and remember that they once were students, too.

What is your favorite aspect of Grove City College?
I can openly express my faith with others and find many ways to serve the campus. Even though it is a “small” campus, I am constantly meeting new people and can still find familiar faces going from class to class. Additionally, Grove City College has a slew of organizations to pick from and join, and there is usually something big going on campus every weekend. I also like how it is a dry campus with separate men and women dorms.

How would you describe the relationship that the students have with each other on campus?
I think there is a real sense of community between students. I found it really easy to make friends on campus through classes and organizations. Also I am thankful for the upperclassmen that took time out of their busy schedules to help me learn challenging material and befriend me. This cause me to want to be involved in Orientation Board, ODK, Crown and Sceptre, and assist multiple ways in the Department of Chemistry because I wanted to become a mentor and serve my fellow peers. The people here are very welcoming and willing to help those in need.

Learn more about Grove City College's B.S. in Biochemistry

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