Rising senior Julia Bidelman is a media production and communication major from Genesee. She is a member of the Alpha Lambda Epsilon Greek society, The Echo student newspaper, the WOCR student radio station, the Optimist Club and the Difference Makers service learning program. She is also The University of Olivet’s first-ever OC student media social media coordinator. Olivet’s small campus has made Julia feel at home and helped her get involved and try new things. Most notably, Julia has participated in 12 different service trips and many volunteer and community service opportunities.
“When I first arrived on campus, I had my mindset on working at a radio station by the time I was done with college, but now that I’ve had many experiences with working for both a newspaper and radio station, I feel as though the sky is the limit,” Julia said.
When it comes to Julia’s free time outside of the classroom, her community involvement and volunteering are a true testament to her commitment to doing good.
“I personally wanted to join both the Difference Makers program and Optimist Club because they are both heavily involved with helping the community. I did a lot of volunteer work in high school, which is something I wanted to continue while in college, and I’m just glad I’ve had the chance to,” Julia added
Julia has traveled to Tennessee three times on service trips and has participated in two spring break service trips to Daytona Beach, Florida. On the week-long trips, students often rebuild roofs to help local citizens whose homes were damaged by hurricanes or tropical storms.
“I feel as though The University of Olivet is a great college for those who want to be able to experience many different things. Take any opportunity you can get! If your professors give you the opportunity to do something new, then do it,” Julia exclaimed.
Julia’s college experience of growth and opportunity does not stop short of the classroom either. As she prepares for her senior year, Julia reflects on how her life and career goals have changed since being in college.
“If you are anything like me, you will change your mind about the career path you want to take when you are done with college, and you may end up liking something more than you did before you came to college. New opportunities will set you up for the future, and being a Comet has turned me into a strong and independent person who finally believes that I can do anything that I set my mind to. I finally speak up and stick up for myself, which I would’ve been too scared to do three years ago, and overall, I’m just really proud of myself.”
After completing her degree, Julia has hopes to become a photographer or social media coordinator in the music industry.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at 269-749-7635 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
This feature was written by rising senior Chad Enwright, Marketing and Multi-Media Student Associate. He is a resident adviser, member of the football team, president of Phi Beta Lambda and a business administration major who aspires to invent and operate his own high-tech, home security and automation business.