Randie '26

Randie '26 made her way to Berea College from her hometown of Beckley, West Virginia, looking for an education and an opportunity to secure a strong future. What she found was a new world of opportunities, possibilities and valuable life lessons, which are changing the trajectory of her life.

A family friend encouraged her to learn about Berea College and its offerings. At first, Randie explains, "I was resistant to the prospect of coming here, because I had my heart set on going to West Virginia University with my friends from high school." Randie said that during the application process, "I found myself feeling more invested in Berea College. I started researching the different programs after an interview with my admissions counselor. The process felt very personal, as I felt she was invested in showing me aspects about the school I would love. Applying to Berea made me feel like I was pushing myself." A College tour was "the icing on cake," said Randie. "I fell in love with the old architecture, the affordability, the very real prospect of studying abroad, and I saw who I wanted to be mirrored in the students here. Above all, I knew Berea would challenge me in a way I did not think I would find elsewhere."

Focusing on academics is a priority for Randie, along with taking time for herself. She hopes to become a Teaching Assistant/Resident Assistant for the Bridge program because, "I found it valuable as a freshman. It showed me the expectations Berea has for students." Learn more about the Bridge program at berea.edu/office-of-student-success-and-transition/berea-bridge .

Randie's opportunities so far include a summer internship with the College's Office of Planned Philanthropy. She is the first Ray Ramseyer Endowed Intern. This summer internship in the division of Alumni, Communication, and Philanthropy is designed for a student who is considering a career in the non-profit field and is a participant in the Berea Patrons program, a gift club for current students who are also donors. She said, "My favorite part was meeting donors, as I was able to see in person the investment they put in us students as the future." During this summer internship, Randie traveled with Executive Director of Planned Philanthropy Amy Harmon to visit with longtime Berea friends Jeff Kunkel and Mary Elyn Bahlert. "I was able to experience the care and feelings behind donations," said Randie. "I had not known how important donor support is, nor how donors donate to certain programs based on their interest and our needs," said Randie.

In addition to her internship, Randie identifies life lessons she has learned through her labor positions at the College. During the fall semester, Randie worked with Dr. Amrita Mishra as her Teaching Assistant/Peer Leader. "I spent most of my time reading for the class, attending class, grading, and holding student hours where I was available for students to come see me for help," said Randie. "In this role, and my previous position as a Facilities Assistant, I have learned the importance of looking at perspectives outside of my own. As a Facilities Assistant, I learned how valuable physical labor jobs are to keeping the school running. As a Teaching Assistant/Peer Leader, I have learned it is important to meet people where they are and to help them get where they want to be."

Randie's Berea journey has included meeting high academic standards, participating in a summer internship, thriving in her labor positions, and immersing herself in campus activities and organizations including Book Club. She demonstrates that learning goes well beyond the classroom and shares, "When an opportunity pops up, seize it. Berea has many opportunities available, if one puts in the effort to look and work for it."

When thinking of the tremendous impact alumni and friends have had on her, Randie shares directly with donors, "You are more essential than you may realize. Beyond funding the no-tuition promise, it is the other programs such as endowed internships, extracurricular activities, the arts, study abroad, guest speakers, and more that makes Berea so special. It is where we see the aspects of life valued by you and feel the gift of generational hope. Thank you!"