Home Sweet Houston or Home Sweet Hillsdale?

Written by Caleb Bigler, ’25

Home Sweet Houston or Home Sweet Hillsdale? I am not sure which one resonates more now that I have spent the better part of three years—and my young adult life—living in Michigan as a student. It has become even more difficult to decide which place feels more like home after spending the summer as a Hillsdalian instead of returning to my Texan roots. What is not difficult, however, especially as I begin my final year as a Hillsdale student, is reflecting on what drew me from my great home state to this little liberal arts school in the Midwest.

My college search was extensive, spanning big schools like Texas A&M and the University of Texas, as well as smaller institutions like Southwestern and Dallas Baptist, Belmont and Pepperdine, Furman and William & Mary. But Hillsdale stood out to me in a way that no other school did, lingering in the back of my mind throughout my senior year of high school. It was the only school that boldly demonstrated it is a rigorous and challenging place with a purpose higher than education for its own sake. Hillsdale did not shy away from emphasizing that it requires a tenacious yet joyful and grateful spirit to thrive both in and out of the classroom. I found Hillsdale to be a place where virtue and character were valued above mere diplomas, yet that diploma still held significant worth because of the development that occurs both academically and personally.

When I eventually stepped onto campus in the fall of 2021, I was met by upperclassmen and resident assistants who were smiling, joking, and clean-cut—not tired, anxious, or worn out. The students who had come before me turned out to be some of the greatest sources of support and advice as I wrestled with balancing classes, a student-athlete schedule, making new friends, and adjusting to life far from home. Guys in my dorm invited me to meals to hear my testimony and what drew me to Hillsdale, teammates encouraged me to prioritize my goals to make the most of my time, my RAs led weekly Bible studies and dorm worship, the Dean of Men ensured I was aware of free counseling services available to students, and local churches organized adopt-a-student programs (I write to you from my adopted family’s brand-new Lazy-Boy after being the first person to test its napping potential).

One of my favorite stories from my freshman year is about how much my hall RA, Zach, cared about ensuring that I was thriving. I managed to visit Texas three times that year—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break—but I didn’t have a car, so I had to ask around for a ride to the airport. (I later found out I could have just booked a shuttle with the College, which regularly sends drivers to the Detroit airport for students.) Zach, being an international student himself, understood the joy of seeing family after time apart, so he drove me to and from the airport for all three trips, spending a total of nine hours driving me alone throughout the semester. The most amazing part was he never once asked me to reimburse him for gas or time.

The greater Hillsdale community has also supported me in forming life-changing connections and opportunities. I spent this summer living in Hillsdale and relied heavily on church friends to keep me alive, due to my serious lack of culinary skills. On average, I cooked two meals per week, with the rest being generously provided by my adopted family and the church community. And when my mom came to visit for the Fourth of July, instead of booking a hotel, she was able to stay in my adopted family’s spare bedroom.

Reflecting on my journey from Houston to Hillsdale, it’s clear that this college has truly become my home away from home. The incredible support I’ve received highlights the strong sense of community that Hillsdale cultivates. My time here has shown me that education goes well beyond academics; it’s about developing meaningful relationships and character. As I step into my final year, I’m filled with gratitude for the unforgettable memories and connections that will stay with me long after graduation. Whether I return to Texas or chart a new course elsewhere, I’ll carry the spirit of Hillsdale with me, thankful for a place that has shaped my growth in so many profound ways.

Caleb Bigler, ’25, is a double major in religion and rhetoric and media. He is a member of the cross country and track teams for the College, competing in distance events year round. After graduating he plans on attending seminary to earn his master of divinity degree and become a pastor in the Global Methodist Church.

Published in October 2024