The ICE House off-campus house

Finding Home In The ICE House

Written by Corrine Prost

As a freshman, you’re never fully confident in the choices that you make or the person you’re becoming. My actions lacked consistency and clarity my entire first semester at Hillsdale, and it was all I could do to keep my head above water while I balanced classes, tennis, and budding friendships.

I always wondered how older students remained calm and confident despite dealing with similar pressures. It wasn’t until I was brought to an off-campus house for a team bonding session that I understood what I had been missing.

As I walked up the winding concrete steps to the big blue house, I noticed the wooden sign hanging above the porch that read “ICE House.” Once inside, I found myself surrounded by my teammate’s housemates: a group of warm, hospitable girls who had become friends through their sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Even though some were struggling with paper deadlines and approaching midterms, they went out of their way to genuinely welcome me. My little freshman heart grew three sizes that day as I realized what I had been missing: a community that allowed all struggles and successes to be shared uninhibited.

All throughout my sophomore year, I found myself making the trek back to ICE House to share in that community. Even though the girls I had met my freshman year had graduated, the new group of Kappas still made me feel at home. As I got to know them more, I found that each had something different to teach me. Jessie’s almost obsessive commitment to journalism taught me to be passionate about whatever I do. Shayna’s bubbly personality showed me how to be a gracious host. Grace reminded me that friendships are just as crucial to personal growth as academics. Kelli, whose room I now live in, revealed to me the power of kindness.

Their wisdom guided me through a lot of transitions that year, including my decision to join the Greek system at Hillsdale. Regardless of whatever stage I was in, they always gave me unconditional support.

When several rising Kappa seniors asked me if I would like to live in the house my junior year with them, I jumped at the opportunity. I was excited to join the legacy of women whose house had served as a home to so many.

After living at the ICE House for several months, I realize that during my time as an underclassman I had only witnessed glimpses of the community that it had to offer. Now I take comfort in knowing that there are always flowers on one of the tables, that there is always food to be shared, and that there is always at least one housemate around to spend time with.

One night in particular, I sat alone on the porch to think over a difficult week of tennis practices and exams. As other girls went in and out of the house, they would stop to chat and offer help. Some sat with me to do their own work, while others stopped by with coffee and a hug. That moment reaffirmed what I discovered during my freshman year: ICE House really is a community that will support you during both times of tears and laughter.

The community found in this home is kindled by the shared understanding that we ought to step outside of our own lives and extend love to one another. While the inevitable piles of dishes and scattered books in the living room do incite anger, we learn both to forgive and to apologize. ICE House is more than just learning how to live with others; it is about learning to love as Christ would.


Corinne Prost, class of 2019, is an American Studies major and rhetoric minor. She dreams to one day own a library so extensive that it rivals the one from Beauty and the Beast.