Adapting Plans, Growing in Faith

For Julia Verhage, Dordt University's commitment to cultivating a life of worship has transformed the way she views her learning, relationships, and calling.

Whether in intentional times of worship like chapel and praise & worship, or in her daily conversations around campus, Verhage says her time at Dordt helped her "feel close to God and reminded me how much the Dordt community pushes us to lean on Him."

Motivated by a lifelong interest in missions, Verhage wanted to pursue a degree that would equip her with practical skills to serve in tangible ways. When she began looking for colleges, Dordt’s commitment to both practical education and Christian community matched her desire for a place where she could gain tools, support, and spiritual nourishment. When she learned about Dordt’s two-year administrative assistant program, she knew it was exactly the preparation she was looking for.

“I chose to pursue a Business Administration: Office Management degree because I see it as a practical and versatile path that can be applied in many different fields, especially in missions,” explains Verhage. “Every organization, whether in business or ministry, needs someone with strong organizational and administrative skills, and I want to be that person. This degree gives me the opportunity to develop skills that will not only help me find a job but also prepare me to serve effectively.”

Although Verhage planned to earn a two-year degree in business administration, as the end to her time in the program approached, she realized she wasn’t ready to leave the campus community or her education behind just yet.

“I wanted to give myself more time to grow both academically and spiritually,” she says. “Continuing for two more years has reminded me that God is always writing our stories, even when we don’t fully see His plan in the moment.”

Her faith especially deepened during a mission trip to Nicaragua through Dordt’s A Mission Outreach (AMOR) program, where she had the opportunity to serve and learn in new ways. “That trip challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and trust God in new ways,” Verhage shares. “When I returned to Dordt, I was inspired to keep looking for opportunities to serve others and use my gifts for His glory. It taught me that faith isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live out every day, through both big actions and small, consistent choices.”

The sense of community at Dordt has deeply shaped Verhage, helping her feel supported and connected, especially as her plans shifted to pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Kandace Brands, instructor of business, was quick to help her navigate the transition. “She immediately began looking into how the change could work for me and laid out a plan that fit my preferred credit load,” says Verhage. “She encouraged me not only to pray about the decision but also to talk with others I trusted.”

For Verhage, the additional time at Dordt meant not only more time to gain critical skills and grow her understanding of calling, but it would also help deepen her relationships. “I’ve built lifelong friendships that I deeply value,” Verhage says. “These friends have lifted me up when I’ve fallen and helped me even when they were going through challenges themselves. That kind of care and connection is something I’ll always treasure.”

Through worship, mentorship, and changing goals, Verhage continues to rely on God's plan for her life. Although she doesn’t know where God will lead her, she believes that her time at Dordt has prepared her well.

“My faith has grown in ways I never thought possible,” she reflects. “I’ve found my true voice and become more willing to share my walk with Christ. I feel more confident shining His light and being ready to help those who need it.”