Josh Swieringa '10

I graduated from Calvin College in 2010 with a degree in History and Secondary Education and a minor in Religion.  I spent half a year working as a paraprofessional at an elementary School.  In August of 2011, I started teaching 7th and 8th graders at a Christian academy in Grove City, PA.

Q&A

Why did you choose to major in history at Calvin? Why did you choose your minor?

Through many detours of deciding which major I would declare, I finally landed on History after my sophomore year. I decided to choose this major because I grew to love the stories and connections between different civilizations throughout the past. There are few things better than seeing how different cultures were influenced by others. Religion became my minor because I personally always had an interest in this subject. It always fit perfectly with my history major because religion plays vital roles within ideas and traditions that are spread through cultures.

How did your time at Calvin prepare you for what you are doing now?

Calvin College helped me learn how to see history in a new and interesting way. I grew up thinking history was a boring subject that included dates and insignificant events. However, through my history classes I started to see a story line that ran through all those "insignificant” events that changed my view of history. God, through Calvin and its professors, gave me a passion for the subject I am able to teach now.

What are your plans for the future?

My future plans are difficult right now I am one who tries my best to live in the moment. However, as I think about my future, I believe that teaching history is something God has called me to do. I do not know where God will take me through my life, but I am excited to continue to learn more about His world and be able to travel to many of the locations that I am teaching about in the classroom.

Do you have any advice for current students or those thinking of majoring in history at Calvin?

My advice for any Calvin students looking into the History major or are in the middle of it is simple. Calvin has a fantastic program with outstanding professors teaching History. I would not be where I am today without Calvin’s great history program. Do not let anyone tell you that you are in an insignificant program. Just remember to do what you love and learn about what you love. God will lead you the rest of the way!