Derek Fields
Written by Christina Dressel
Senior Derek Fields is one of Hillsdale’s most accomplished students to emerge from the economics department. Currently a part-time student, Derek spends the remainder of his time working remote for CrossFit, a fitness company based in Santa Cruz where he worked this past summer, as well as training at the CrossFit gym in Jonesville.
From Dade City, Florida, Derek intended to follow in his father’s footsteps and go to the US Merchant Marine Academy in New York, but he decided against a career in the military.
“Although Hillsdale is a civilian school, the type of driven individual and the old-school principles that are here went along really well with my own values,” said Derek. The students here want something more profound than your average college experience and are pursuing something better together, driving each other to excellence.”
A member and former president of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Derek has been an active member of the social community at Hillsdale. He also instructs several on-campus workout classes. Not only is he very much involved in campus activities, but Derek has also thrived within Hillsdale’s Economics department.
“The econ program opened my eyes to so many new things and changed the way I think. It’s shaped my world view, and it affects everything in my life,” said Derek. “The teachers here have been very personable and understand how to teach economics as so much more than just graphs and models.”
Derek has come to find the environment at Hillsdale refreshing and incredibly supportive. In fact, Derek got connected to his current job as a Media Research Writer at CrossFit through a Hillsdale alum.
“Hillsdale has definitely prepared me for my future at CrossFit because I’m applying what I’ve learned about the economic way of thinking in my work.” said Derek.
After graduation, Derek plans on moving to San Diego to continue working with CrossFit. His efforts will primarily be focused on shaping CrossFit’s culture and growing its network.
A freshman at Hillsdale, Christina Dressel is currently pursuing a Politics and Spanish double major. She hopes to study abroad in Spain and eventually work in marketing or business. Christina is also a new member of the Chi Omega sorority and participates in both club and intramural volleyball.