Brienne Albright BLZ Spring ’04 writes “I graduated from Eastern University in May and I have been thrown into the world of substitute teaching. It is a very unpredictable and challenging world but I have been making the best of it. Who knew that you had to start at the bottom in the elementary education world and work your way up. I have moved to Audubon, Pa and I live with a friend that I graduated with in a cute little apartment. It is nice to be able to walk to the grocery store and pharmacy instead of driving. I have become an active member of my sister's church. It is a huge change from the African American spirit led church I went to in college. Now I am tapping deeper into the Word and the hymnal at the Bible Fellowship Church. I am a leader/helper with the youth group and it has been really rewarding to be back in service with a church. I really miss everyone dearly and we really need to work on another reunion. You guys still and always will hold a special spot in my heart. Keep me posted on your ups and downs. So many of you are on crazy adventures and I want to hear more about them. I miss you guys as much as I was excited in the Houston airport and you all know how much that was!!! If anyone is every in the Philadelphia area and needs a place to stay I am about 30+ minutes from it. Mi casa es su casa.”
Jess Babcock BLZ Spring ’05 writes “I graduated in May from Northwestern College with a double major in Environmental Science and Writing & Rhetoric. I am currently a naturalist at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minnesota. This will sound corny, but I can't believe how lucky I am to love my job as much as I do. I'll be at Eagle Bluff for sure through June, and possibly through the summer. In the fall, I'll hopefully be moving to Missoula, Montana, to start in the Environmental Studies Master's program. Acceptance is still pending, but if all goes as planned, I'll be emphasizing in Sustainable Food and Farming. You're right if you sense a little Belize influence on that one ; ) For now, I spend what free time I have painting flower pots, teaching myself how to embroider, and reading.”
Kayla Dunkle (Burker) Blz Fall ’03 writes “I graduated from Messiah College in May 2005 with my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. On October 22nd, I married Brandon Dunkle who I had been dating for the past six years, and have been friends with since elementary school. In attendance at our wedding were four CCSP alumni! Brandon and I built a house that we designed ourselves and were able to move in when we got back from our honeymoon. I am working as a registered nurse in Emergency/Trauma at the Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown, MD, and feel absolutely fulfilled in my work even though I come home exhausted every day. I love what I do, though, so it is easy to forget the fatigue. Brandon is director of youth ministries at Faith United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, PA, and we have taken over as leaders of the youth group which will keep our weekends busy for quite some time to come.”
Johannah Hellenga Belize Fall ’03 writes “I am graduating this year with a degree in Rhetoric and English. Next fall I will hopefully be attending grad school to become a family therapist and counselor. My personal life involves a WEDDING to the most amazing man which will take place August 5, 2006 to Jason Ramaker who is also student at Calvin. Jason and I will continue to live in Grand Rapids as I continue on in school and he is an RN at Spectrum health. My senior year is winding down and I have only 11 credits left to take. It's been a good run here at Calvin, and I am so happy with my choice to attend here. I'm looking forward to holidays with my family and taking quiet time to praise God for the true reason for the season.”
Bill Kanche NZ Fall ’02 writes “ I will graduate next week from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a BA in Geography and Environmental Studies and will be moving back to Ohio.”
Steph (“Tex”) Martel NZ Spring ’05 writes “Yay for graduating in December '05! I am finally graduating college after 4 1/2 years of crazy moving around and study abroads. Now that I am done with school I will be heading to Ecuador for the month of January to hike Cotopaxi and work at an orphanage. I would love to stay longer, but I will working at the High Sierra Semester for Azusa Pacific University in beautiful Bass Lake, Ca (right outside Yosemite :) )-- it is a study abroad program based on learning through Great Works and the great outdoors! I am super stoked about being in an area that has four seasons and living close to Yosemite National Park. I am not really sure what the future holds past next semester.....maybe New Zealand again?? I do have plans on going back to school for NURSING!!! Crazy, I know, but I am feeling a pretty strong push in that direction.”
Devon Parish BLZ Spring 2004 writes “I graduated from Middlebury College (VT) in May '05. I'm now living at home, teaching ballet, and training to audition for professional ballet companies for next season. I think I want to be a sustainably developing missionary ballerina someday :) I miss CCSP and think of it often!”
Keith White NZ Fall 2004 writes “I graduated last May with my degree in Biology and am now living in Chujuyub Guatemala working in the Peace Corps with the Sustainable Agriculture Production program meaning I hang out with indigenous families and plant
vegetable gardens.”
ALUMNI UPDATES