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Zach Bivens, a senior studying computer science and music education at ��͹��Ƶ, knew when he visited Dordt’s campus that it was the place for him. “I instantly saw myself going to Dordt,” recalls Bivens. “I believe God called me to Dordt.”

With a developing interest in computer sciences, Bivens began his studies pursuing that major. “I thought it would be a good career because of how relevant technology is in our culture today,” says Bivens.

During his time at Dordt, he also found himself pursuing other interests, specifically choir. “I really fell in love with choir while at Dordt,” he explains.

A member of The Canons of Dordt, Chorale, 4th Avenue Singers, and Concert Choir, Bivens says these groups added so much to his ��͹��Ƶexperience. “I have made some amazing friendships because of the choirs, and I was also able to leave the country for the first time because of the choir tours,” Bivens shares. “I have also gained many skills from being involved with music ensembles, like working collaboratively, time management, and discipline, but I have also gained empathy from being involved in the choir and getting to know my fellow choristers better.”

Bivens was also hired as a music department work-study. In this role, he was able to interact with professional musicians, realizing that music wasn’t just a passion but a part of his calling.

Approaching his senior year, Bivens wasn’t sure that switching his major to something music-related was possible or stewardly of his time. However, with support from family, friends, and faculty of his interest in a degree in music: choral music education, Bivens realized it was. “I met with a lot of friends and professors from the music, education, and computer science departments because it would mean adding more years of college. Thankfully, the music and education faculty really supported me in my decision and helped answer a lot of concerns I had. They also helped me create a plan to finish my new degree with only two additional years, which seemed unlikely at first, with how the major is planned out.”

With a double major, Bivens also found himself gaining another new skill: saying no. “I don’t like to disappoint others, so I found myself saying yes to different opportunities and overcommitted to a lot of different responsibilities,” says Bivens, “But I learned that saying ‘no’ and delegating is not letting others down.” As a future teacher, Bivens has learned that saying no doesn’t make him less committed; it is a way to steward his time well in serving others.

Not only has his time at ��͹��Ƶchallenged his understanding of calling, Bivens also says it has equipped him with a deeper appreciation of finding common ground among believers. “I came from a community where we all believed the same things, so my faith hasn’t really been challenged before,” reflects Bivens. “My thoughts and ideas have been challenged by the Reformed perspective at Dordt, and it has really strengthened my faith.”

While his calling, faith, and passions developed during his time at Dordt, it was the Christ-centered relationships and supportive community that really enabled him to flourish on campus. “The community has had a major impact on my life,” he says. “I have never had more meaningful and fulfilling relationships before Dordt. I can confidently say I have made many life-long friends.”