Eve '23

Eve '23, a self-described "people person," is an active member of the Berea College community, and she is double majoring in theater and psychology. She aspires to use all the opportunities available to her at Berea to gain experience that she can share for the benefit of others once she graduates.

One of 12 children in her family, Eve has always known that she wants to work with people on a personal level. "The opportunities that Berea has allowed for me here showed me that I want a career that makes others feel satisfied or happy," said Eve. "From my labor positions to small classes where we can know our classmates on a personal level, Berea College offers an environment that helps develop my desire to be of service to others."

Eve currently holds two labor positions, with her primary role (ten hours each week) in the Office of Admissions as a student ambassador, and her secondary role (up to five hours each week) in the Office of Individual and Planned Philanthropy. "As a student ambassador, I meet and connect with people, primarily high school students, who are interested in applying for or have applied to attend Berea College," she said. "I answer their questions and give them tours of the campus, creating a connection for them to see the opportunity they have at Berea College." In her Individual and Planned Philanthropy role, she engages with the donors to supply information about the College and to offer a student perspective.

"What I have learned in both of these roles is not just the ability to meet and talk with people, but the ability to genuinely connect with them," said Eve. "I have learned so many life stories and lessons from just talking to incoming students and to donors, and I've seen how a simple connection can make someone's day." She indicates that these experiences have helped her realize she wants to work closely with people in her professional life. "I love both my jobs and being able to work with different people every day; this has become one of the many things I am thankful for," said Eve.

Eve identified that the fourth of Berea's eight Great Commitments resonates strongly with her. "The commitment known for its emphasis on the dignity of labor provides me not only with an experience for the real world, but also creates a way for me to learn what it means to balance work, school, and relationships in life," said Eve. "I also enjoy that it emphasizes service to others." Eve was very involved with her church back home in Lawrenceburg, Ky., and service organizations and grew to love helping others. "Knowing that Berea College places a special emphasis on this service helps me feel welcome and at home here," she said.

Eve hopes to participate in an internship this summer and is interested in finding a small organization that advocates for people with voice disorders. Eve shares that she was recently diagnosed with a disorder that limits her ability to speak to a strained, painful whisper. "While I still have a passion for theater and psychology, I am having to find a way to incorporate both into what I want to do in a way that I physically can do it," she said. Eve is interested in finding a job after graduation that spreads awareness for people diagnosed with Muscle Tenson Dysphoria, Spasmodic Disorder or other vocal disorders so she can get people the help they need. "I want to show others that while we may be silent, we still have words left to say."

She has an important message to share directly with Berea College donors. "There is not any word to show the amount of gratitude and appreciation I have for you . I am one of the students who if it were not for Berea, there would be a chance I could not have afforded a good, quality education," said Eve. "Your support has given me and many other students the chance of a better life. The opportunities you are providing are an absolute blessing, so thank you, thank you, thank you and God Bless you."