Hillsong College: Students speak about their hopes, dreams for 2022
Tens of thousands of students are pouring into universities and campuses for the first time in months. See what students at Hillsong College have to say about what they’re most looking forward to this year.
Hills Shire
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hills Shire. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Face-to-face learning is returning to universities and colleges across NSW, as tens of thousands of students stream into campuses for the first time in months.
To celebrate the start of semester one, NewsLocal reporters have visited students as they return to the classroom.
As part of this series, a group of students at Hillsong College at Norwest shared their hopes and dreams.
Meet these students as they talk about why they chose to study at Hillsong and what they’re most looking forward to in 2022.
Hadley Hull — Songwriting, Third Year
A third-year student from the US, Ms Hull says she’s always been fascinated with Australia and has had her heart set on Hillsong College for more than 10 years.
“I chose to study here because of the incredible opportunity to be trained by some of the best people in (songwriting),” she said.
Ms Hull was thrilled about returning to face-to-face learning this year.
“Because of the pandemic, l returned home to be with my family … (but studying) 14,000 km away was difficult,” she explained.
“There’s a level of connection with face-to-face learning that — try as you might — can’t be achieved online … it’s the best feeling in the world to be reconnected after the last two years of online learning.”
Aldrin Miller — Pastoral Leadership, Second Year
This second-year student says he knew Hillsong College was his only choice when he found out about its culture and how it encourages growth.
“There are many Bible Colleges … but having studied the program content closely and the growth it provides in leadership and theology – the level of expertise the lecturers and trainers have – is unmatched,” Mr Miller said.
Originally from South Africa, Mr Miller said doing college online could be challenging — especially juggling the different time zones when he returned home during Covid.
“Just me being in class, sitting on the grass, taking a walk on campus with my college family is honestly a blessing,” he said.
When asked what he’s most excited for this year, Mr Miller said he can’t wait to learn about “how to serve and lead people better … how to be a Christ ambassador in this ever changing modern world we live in.”
Joakim Pärlesköld — Pastoral Leadership, Third Year
Joakim Pärlesköld describes Hillsong College as “world-class” and says he is so excited to begin face-to-face learning this year.
“Online has done the trick … but there is nothing like being in the room, having classmates around you and having your lecturer right there — it’s how it’s supposed to be,” Mr Pärlesköld said.
This year, Mr Pärlesköld was most excited about learning and growing with the college’s other students.
“(I can’t wait to improve) my understanding of the Bible and how to help people grow and flourish as individuals.”
Kurt Robertson — Pastoral Leadership, First Year
Kurt Robertson grew up attending Hillsong in Sydney and said he can’t wait to “dive deep” into theology — including how to read Ancient Greek — this year.
“(At Hillsong College), you don’t just learn how to read your bible,” Mr Robertson said. “You learn how to communicate with people, strengthen others and see beyond yourself.”
He was thrilled his first year would kick off with face-to-face learning because he believed “life is about community.”
“Hillsong College is not just an educational institution but an extension of the church and a family,” Mr Robertson said.
“I look forward to the growth that is coming and being pushed into all that God wants me to be.”
Emiko Hoffman — Pastoral Leadership, Second Year
Since she was a child in the US, Emiko Hoffman has dreamt of studying at Hillsong College.
Although she didn’t expect to begin her studies online, Ms Hoffman said last year was one of the “most transformational” times in her life, but she can’t wait to get stuck into face-to-face learning.
“It has been a super awesome being able to fully engage in class and be with my classmates in person, rather than on Zoom,” she said.
This year, Ms Hoffman can’t wait to further improve her biblical knowledge and leadership skills.
Jan Harmse — Pastoral Leadership, Third Year
Jan Harmse set his sights on Hillsong College because he wanted to learn more about God.
“When the news came that we would return to studies in person, the emotions was overwhelming but in a good way,” Mr Harmse said.
This year, Mr Harmse can’t wait to rebuild the college’s community with his peers. He was also really excited about getting the chance to learn more about leading a church.
Camille Arroyo — Songwriting
Camille Arroyo first stumbled across Hillsong on a website when she was a teenager.
“ Something within me told me I had to be part of what was happening in … (this) church and the college,” Ms Arroyo said.
“I knew there was something bigger in store for my life and I felt this college was the next step to take.”
When asked what she’s most excited about this year, Ms Arroyo said she can’t wait to grow “in all things leadership.”
Hailey Lang — Pastoral Leadership
From the US, Hailey Lang chose Hillsong College because she felt a calling to step outside of what she knew and grow her relationship with God.
Ms Lang described learning online as “fruitful yet difficult”.
Being together after being online and not being able to do life together, has been one of the best parts of (learning) in person,” she said.
“Learning and growing together in community changes everything.”
Caroline Holvik — Bachelor of Theology, Fourth Year
From Norway originally, Caroline Holvik is beginning her final semester of studies at Hillsong College.
Last year, Caroline found online learning quite challenging.
“It definitely brought some unexpected blessings … but I am so excited to be back on campus,” she said.
In her final semester, Caroline can’t wait to learn more about Trinitarian theology.
“But, most importantly, I want to learn more about how we, as the Church, can remain healthy and vibrant as we pursue Christ,” she said.
Women’s U18s Brewer Shield: Season preview, players to watch
The future of women’s cricket is set to kick off a new season of the Brewer Shield. With more than 200 of the state’s best U18 players on show, we preview each club and 40+ stars to watch.
Stars, standouts as Waratahs continue march in Super Rugby U19s
The Waratahs have continued their match towards the decider of the Super Rugby U19s but there’s still things that need to be sorted. Stars, standouts, great photos from battle with Reds.