Born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, I was taught to abide by the order of Vince Lombardi: “God, Family, and the Green Bay Packers.” As a result, Sunday afternoons were filled with backyard football, large family dinners, and bedtime rosaries. Stuck in the middle of two beautiful sisters, I was raised by a mother and father with the dispositions of Mother Teresa and Mike Ditka, respectively. Their simultaneous emphasis on Catholicism, hard work, and diehard convictions influenced me far more than any formal education I received. Raised to believe that “quit” wasn’t a word and that anything less than my best was unacceptable, I quickly applied these mentalities to my spiritual life, athletics, and schoolwork. Throughout my 12 years of Catholic education and formation, I was inspired with a love for Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, and this passion has fueled my life ever since. Furthermore, this fire for Him has constantly been fed by the influence and blessings of my teachers, friends, parish priest, and the late Holy Father, John Paul II, whose mantra “Be not afraid” has become the motto of my life.

At the beginning of my college search, Hillsdale wasn’t even on the list of possibilities. This was not due to failures on the side of the school, but rather my attraction to the glamour of big-name universities. Prompted to apply by my mother, I did so without the least inclination to actually attend. Yet, after discovering the principles of truth, virtue, and self-government upon which this school was founded and continues to thrive, I could not turn down the opportunity to attend.

An education at Hillsdale is not about grades, the future, or eventual employment. Education at Hillsdale, rather, is focused on the formation of the human person. Though grades and the future are important, the most imperative thing is becoming, as St. Irenaeus asserted, “fully alive.” This can only be done through an education in mind, body, and spirit, which Hillsdale encourages through the liberal arts.

Though I am always tempted to organize my future, I am frequently reminded of the old adage, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” Nonetheless, at this point in my life, I intend to enter seminary after my graduation from Hillsdale College and study to become a Roman Catholic priest.

Hillsdale has provided an avenue for countless experiences and providential moments. From the moment I set foot on campus, where I met one of my best friends and roommate (who is also discerning seminary), to the countless relationships I have established in my time here, the Hillsdale community has become a family to me. I have been given numerous opportunities to serve this family through my close work with the Catholic Society, Students for Life, the Lifeteen High School Youth Group, Bible studies, and even through babysitting professors’ children.

Dr. Folsom’s “Economic History of the United States” course has been one of my favorites. The most memorable moment was when we covered the Great Depression. Dr. Folsom realized that we would all be too distraught in class learning about the economic policies that crippled our nation, so he gave a student a bell, which he was to ring whenever the class seemed too depressed. Dr. Folsom would then proceed to tell an inspiring story of a successful entrepreneur during the 1930s, lifting our morale.

The core curriculum at Hillsdale is an exceptional basis of a true liberal arts education. It forces students to discover all facets of an education and encourages them to explore and experience everything from history and literature to science and the arts to philosophy and economics. The core fully encompasses all vital areas of study.

edemeuse@hillsdale.edu