History - Student Profile - Brett Troyer

Brett Troyer
Sophomore, History
Milford, Neb.

What drew you to Hesston College?
A mix of tradition and indecision. Hesston had become almost a home away from home. My brother and many of my close friends had attended Hesston just a few years before. I was also caught between two majors: Education and Golf Course Management, and at the time Hesston allowed me to test the waters of each.

How did your studies here help you narrow your focus or shape your plans for the future?
With the courses at Hesston I wasn’t locked into a certain path. I was able to take everything from Chemistry, Sociology, Biblical Literature, Introduction to Disaster Response and the list goes on. That flexibility allowed me to experience a great deal more, figure out what I liked and didn’t like, and those experiences forced me to rethink where my future was headed. Some would consider a switch in majors from Golf Course Management to History would set you back a little, but I found my transition smooth and effortless. Even with the changes, I will graduate with an Associate of Arts Degree and the One Year Certificate from the Disaster Management Program.

What attracts you to History?
I feel that realizing there is history within every context, both your own and that of people who differ from you, gives you a strong base to build and grow upon. History is so much more than just dates and a few powerful people. It is entire cultures, it's people’s heritage, it's very personal and shapes the way you act and think today.

How challenging are the academics in the History program?
The difficulty is a result of the effort which you put in. Just like with any program, you can either come for a degree or you can come to learn a way to think. Personally, I hope that I will always be learning and I am at college to find a way to view the world and where I belong in it.

What is your favorite History course? Why is it your favorite?
The funny thing is that I only took one History course at Hesston. It's not that I didn’t want to take more, I just wanted to take so many other courses. The great thing about Hesston was that I still got to know the History professors really well.

Did you find opportunities/learning experiences outside the classroom?
For our History of World Civilizations class where were able to attend the Mennonite Historical Committee’s Journey from Darlington. Historically, Mennonites have had a strong connection with Native American tribes. It was exciting to experience history from another perspective and directly from the people it affected. Other than academically, my sophomore year I was the Assistant Resident Director, a Resident Assistant, I started a Ping Pong club, and participated in many service projects through the Peace and Service Club and the Disaster Management Program.

What are the professors like in the History department?
The History professors push you out of your comfort zone. You must be ready to break down the barriers that have shaped your perspective of the world so far. Yet, at the same time, you build a personal connection. I would consider the professors more like friends than just professors. But that’s how most of the professors are at Hesston.

What are some of your most memorable moments as a student at Hesston?
Hanging out with the mod. Late night Newell’s runs. Playing intramural volleyball, basketball, and Wiffleball. And winning the mod dodgeball championship fall semester.

What are your plans for after Hesston?
I will be attending Goshen College as a History major and a Conflict Transformation minor. After Goshen, I would like to look into doing some sort of long-term missionary service and possibly graduate school.