---
title: Reaching Her Greatest Potential
date: 2022-06-07T10:13:00-05:00
author: Jordan Eshelman
canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/stories/abby-vander-werf"
section: Stories
---
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 [Business Administration](https://www.dordt.edu/stories?category=business-administration) [Communication](https://www.dordt.edu/stories?category=communication) 

 

# Reaching Her Greatest Potential

 Abby Vander Werf **Programs of study:** Business Administration- Marketing Emphasis, Communication Studies **Hometown:** Hawarden, Iowa 

 

     ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/AbbyVanderWerf2021.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.4967-0.4151&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=1ec9b371&v=63ebc685972c5ac5aafec8763ad135a2ce8a929efd565753fd8c20d86ff7dd66)   

 

 ![]()With two Dordt alumni as parents, Abby grew up dreaming of attending Dordt. She was excited to get on campus, experience freedom in a Christian environment, explore her passions, and get involved. While overcoming challenges with time management and changing majors, Abby was able to participate in a variety of activities on campus, including the dance team and the Chamber Orchestra.

Abby also had the chance to study abroad in the Netherlands on the SPICE program. Although she ended up returning early due to Covid-19, the experience was amazing.

“While studying abroad in the Netherlands, I struggled with the decision to stay or return home,” she explains. “I was hesitant to change, since my semester abroad was going so well. From that experience, I learned the importance of making decisions for things/people bigger than myself.”

After graduating, Abby spent the summer working as an office administrator for the All Seasons Center in Sioux Center. That fall, she participated in the Chicago Semester recent grad program. Abby is grateful for the faculty, staff, and students who helped her succeed and reach her greatest potential.

“At Dordt, I've realized the importance of strong relationships and connections with everyone around me. Dordt opened me up to a world of opportunity by exploring my passions, career, and faith. Even in Northwest Iowa, Dordt offers a diverse perspective into all aspects of contemporary life. Without Dordt, I would not be as culturally, socially, and spiritually prepared for the next step of life. Thank you, Defender Nation!”

 

 

 ## Related Programs

 

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