From a College Prep Program to a Greener Future
When Cherith Pickett ’26 first heard about Calvin University’s Entrada Scholars Program, she wasn’t convinced it was the right fit for her. Coming from Texas, she had her sights set on other colleges—ones she ultimately didn’t get into. But a church member, an Entrada alum, encouraged her to give it a shot anyway.
“I kind of just did it,” Pickett admits. “It wasn’t going to hurt me to apply, and I figured it would at least be a chance to earn college credit and meet new people.”
That summer of 2022, she joined 40 other students from diverse backgrounds for an intensive, three-week experience that introduced her to Calvin’s academic rigor, faith-based learning, and—most importantly—the deep sense of community that would eventually convince her to call Calvin home.
Discovering Community Through Entrada
At first, Pickett wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But as the days passed, she found herself building friendships with other students, connecting with professors, and getting a taste of college life.
“I think I had a great experience with the community at Entrada, and that gave me this idea that I would be able to keep that community throughout my time at Calvin,” she reflects. “It just made sense—why wouldn’t I go to a place where I already had this foundation?”
By the end of the program, she and her fellow Entrada students were texting each other about dorm assignments and class schedules for the fall. But what Pickett didn’t anticipate was how fluid college friendships could be.
“A couple months into my first semester, I realized I wasn’t as connected to my Entrada friends as I thought I’d be,” she says. “At first, it felt like I was behind, like everyone else had already formed their groups and I was just starting over.”
But rather than let that discourage her, Pickett took it as an opportunity to expand her circle. She started engaging more with people on her dorm floor, striking up conversations in the lobby, and inviting classmates to study sessions or climbing outings.
“I ended up making some really close friends that way,” she says. “And I learned that friendships in college are constantly shifting, which is actually a good thing. It takes the pressure off needing to have everything figured out right away.”
A Passion for Environmental Science and Plaster Creek Stewards
Pickett’s academic journey at Calvin has been deeply shaped by her love for environmental science—particularly sustainable agriculture. It was fall of her sophomore year, in a course called Human Impacts on the Environment, that she began to see how complex and interconnected the food system really is.
“I remember thinking, ‘If we could just change this one part of the system, it could make such a huge difference,’” she recalls. “I still don’t know exactly how I’ll contribute to that change, but I know I want to be part of the solution.”
Pickett is also involved with Plaster Creek Stewards, a community-based watershed restoration initiative, which has given her a hands-on opportunity to care for the environment in tangible ways. Through this program, she’s worked on native plant restoration, a practice that not only improves local ecosystems but also strengthens connections between Calvin and its surrounding community.
“It’s been really cool to see how something as simple as planting native flowers can have such a big impact,” Pickett says. “It helps with stormwater runoff, brings beauty to neighborhoods, and fosters relationships with people in the area.”
At Calvin, her passion for sustainability has extended to Outdoor Rec, where she challenged herself through activities like rock climbing and sea kayaking—pushing past fears and deepening her appreciation for the natural world. These experiences reinforced her belief that meaningful change happens both through systemic efforts and personal engagement with the environment.
Faith, Calling, and “Every Green Inch”
For Pickett, caring for the environment isn’t just about science and engagement—it’s also an expression of her faith. She sees creation care as a direct response to the Christian calling to steward God’s world.
“I think as Christians, we’re supposed to care for the environment because everything is God’s creation,” she explains. “It’s not that we shouldn’t use the resources we’ve been given, but we need to do so in a way that benefits both the land and future generations.”
This perspective has influenced her latest project, a short documentary called “Every Green Inch.” As part of a media production class, she’s leading a team to create a three-minute film highlighting Calvin’s lesser-known second greenhouse and its role in sustainability efforts across Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“I wanted to show how Calvin is actively contributing to sustainability—how it all starts with tiny seeds in this greenhouse and eventually transforms entire neighborhoods,” she says. “In the summer, student workers take these plants out into the city, planting rain gardens that help with water management and beautify the community.”
Looking Ahead
As Pickett continues her journey at Calvin, she remains passionate about making a difference—whether through environmental advocacy, community-building, or simply learning to navigate the ups and downs of college life.
For high school students considering Entrada, her advice is simple: “If there’s nothing holding you back, just go for it. Even if you don’t end up at Calvin, it’s an experience that will make you more confident going into college.”
And for those who, like her, feel called to create change but aren’t sure where to start?
“Talk to your professors,” she encourages. “They’ve been there. They might even have opportunities for you. But most of all, trust that God will use whatever you do. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just take the next small step.”
Whether through Entrada, environmental science, or Every Green Inch, Pickett is proof that sometimes, the best way to find your place is simply to start exploring.
