by Justin Morton, staff writer
The class of 2009, more formally known as “the seniors,” is pushing hard through the muck and mire of their final weeks here at Bryan College to arrive victoriously upon the platform of graduation bliss. It is this very platform which will serve as the starting line for the big race called “life.” Most students wait at the starting line with bated breath and anxious anticipation for the long race before them, uncertain of what will come. While many others find themselves calm and collected, knowing exactly the plans they have for life.
Anna Downer will be joining her parents’ ministry, Discipleship Network of America as a full-time field staff director of young women’s ministry. With this position, she will be required to travel and speak at conferences, getting involved in mentoring and discipling in the greater Chattanooga area. Also, as a part-time position she will be heading up the new program that is being developed for the Worldview Team under the leadership of Director Ben Williams and Assistant Director Bonnie-Marie Yager.
Jason Bowers plans on taking all of his funds and traveling to the far ends of the world. After he spends all of his money on traveling he plans to end up at a university teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Lauren Hostetler will be returning home for approximately 10 days and then will be leaving May 21 for Latvia. She plans to remain there until Aug. 6. She will be involved in ministry there to fulfill a requirement for a missions internship as a part of the Missions and Applications class taught by Dean of Spiritual Formation Matt Benson.
“I am thrilled to be able to go back to Latvia, a place I love, for the third time. I am also hoping that this experience will guide me as I decide whether or not I am supposed to be in Latvia for a longer period of time,” Hostetler said.
When she returns from Latvia, she has other plans of becoming a personal trainer/ group exercise specialist, working in a gym setting. It is a passion of hers to help others to fulfill their fitness goals.
Connor Armstrong and Amy McKoy will wed one another in June and spend the summer in wedded bliss. Then, in early August, they will both be leaving for Suriname, on the northern coast of South America, where they will teach at the International School of Suriname. Amy will be teaching third grade, while Connor will be teaching high school social studies.
“According to our job titles, we’re missionaries, and according to our job descriptions, we’re teachers,” Armstrong said.
Kyle Rascher will work as an office manager for a charter company, flight school and aviation maintenance hangar. He will marry Liz Bergandine on Jun. 27 and they will live in a house in Waterford, Mich.
“It’s a corner lot, so we’ll have a yard. Also, the house has a two-car garage. How exciting is that?” Rascher said.
The class of 2009 has worked very hard for what they are going to obtain and will always be remembered as “those twisted individuals” thanks to one, Mr. Michael Palmer, their class advisor and the associate professor of communication studies.