For many high schoolers, choosing a college is the first life-changing decision that is completely up to them.
This was the case for Grace Hertel of Forest Grove High School in Oregon, who “put a great deal of thought into where I attend college.”
When Hertel was awarded Newman University’s full-tuition St. Newman Scholarship, she took it as a sign that she was in the right place.
Hertel was drawn to Newman for its Catholic identity, stewardship through service and the promise of “empowering its graduates to transform society.”
“I see Newman University as the best place for me to attend to make a real difference in our society,” Hertel wrote in her application essay.
In high school, Hertel served as vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and played water polo at a varsity level for four years. She also founded and was president of the Students of Life Club, a pro-life organization led by students.
“I want to transform society at its very basic need: life,” she said. “Without life, humans have no other rights, and that is why I want to help women be able to give life to their unborn children.”
It’s this passion of advocating for the sanctity of human life that also guided her to Newman.
“I desire to have a career as an ultrasound technician, and Newman’s diagnostic medical sonography degree will enable me to help women and their unborn babies,” Hertel said.
Hertel’s list of volunteerism efforts is extensive. She supported her local St. Vincent DePaul food pantry, Birthright of Hillsboro through public outreach and built fences with Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, she served as a lector, cleaned and volunteered during parish dinners at St. Francis Church.
“Something that greatly stood out to me at Newman was the requirement of the service hours because I had yet to see that on any other school’s scholarship requirements,” Hertel explained. “This alone shows the support I will have at the university to pursue community service. I know that seeing the way other people in our society live and listening to their needs is the best way to help them.”
Even Newman University’s namesake has significance to Hertel and her family.
“St. John Newman is kind of special to my family because my parents met at Newman Retreats Center,” she said. “And well, without St. Newman, me and my seven siblings might not be here.”
Hertel eagerly awaits the beginning of her first semester as a Newman University Jet.
“I can’t wait to get involved and to see the beautiful St. John’s Chapel in person,” she added.
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