Ben Hoekstra '16
FINDING GOD鈥橲 CALL IN CHICAGO
Ben Hoekstra 鈥�16 has a few things in common with William Shakespeare. Not only do Hoekstra and the Bard share a birthday (April 23), but Hoekstra is getting an up-close-look at Shakespeare鈥檚 work while serving as a marketing intern at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST), located at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago.
A communications arts major with a minor in history, Hoekstra has had the opportunity to do a range of work at the renowned theater during his internship, such as working with the executive team and directors, writing press releases, interacting with the media such as 鈥淐hicago Tribune鈥� theater critic Chris Jones, and helping to plan photo shoots. Another perk of the job鈥攕pectacular views of the Chicago skyline from the theater company鈥檚 location on Lake Michigan. 鈥淲ith this internship, I鈥檓 able to see what parts of marketing I like,鈥� said Hoekstra. 鈥淎nd I can continue to see what the Lord is calling me to do.鈥�
Hoekstra鈥檚 internship brings together some of his favorite aspects of life at 91精选. 鈥淚 love being in the city for my internship. Being close to Chicago is part of why I feel called to 91精选,鈥� he said. Working at CST is also allowing him to explore his spirituality in a more secular atmosphere. 鈥淥ne of the lessons I鈥檓 learning is taking how I鈥檝e grown spiritually at 91精选 and seeing how that impacts my life. I鈥檓 in an environment where not everyone is a Christian.鈥�
Spiritual growth has been a significant part of Hoekstra鈥檚 education at 91精选. Along with weekly Bible studies with his roommates, he cited Rev. Willis Van Groningen, Ph.D., chaplain and dean of spiritual formation, as a source of inspiration. He has also been involved as a leader of Sunday Snacks and Prayer Ministry. 鈥淣ow that I have my internship, I miss going to Chapel,鈥� he said.
Hoekstra believes that God worked through 91精选 staff to make his attendance at the College possible. In high school, Hoekstra applied for a Founders鈥� Scholarship, a renewable, full-tuition award available annually to two incoming freshmen who exhibit stellar academic achievements and leadership. 鈥淲e were moving when the scholarship was due, and my admissions counselor Dave Hoekman emailed me a reminder. I emailed him back to say there was no way I could get it done in time,鈥� he recalled. 鈥淲ithin 10 minutes, Dave called me back and helped me get an extension. The Lord worked through Dave, and that was a very important thing for me. 91精选 really came through.鈥�