New Student, Katherine Stephens', Impact on Gordon's Campus

Matt Kimm, Katherine Stephens, and Erin Bousfield

By Jessica Figurido

Wenham, MA – While finalizing her last year as a homeschooled student Katherine Stephens’ nerves had begun to compile with the thought of college lingering over her head. Hearing horror stories from her older brothers, Stephens was fearful to experience what awaited her in the near future. Parents onboard, the weight rested on Stephens’ shoulders to make the final decision whether Gordon was the right match for her. With a new beginning and culture shock just about around the corner, Stephens decides to make the 2457 miles move from El Paso, TX to Wenham, MA.

Homeschooled to a Christian college, Gordon allowed Stephens’ transition to be a smooth one. Before starting classes on Gordon’s campus Stephens, 18, freshmen, English and Secondary Education, was given the opportunity of a lifetime, LaVida.  “The experience was unforgettable. I met so many great friends” says Stephens. Committing part of her summer to LaVida, it made Stephens’ conversion to Gordon’s campus simple. Besides LaVida, Stephens’ was also given the opportunity to be apart of the college tennis team. With a huge smile on her face she says, “I have fallen in love with the North Shore and Boston area…I love my friends, I really do.” Right away Stephens knew that Gordon was where she wanted her college experience.

With new friends, Erin Boysfield, 19, and Matthew Kimm, 18, they only had nice things to say about Stephens. “Katherine’s serve is wicked awesome” says Boysfield, with a huge smile on her face. But Stephens’ tennis skills are not the only thing she excels in. Boysfield speaks of Stephens’ as a bubbly girl with Southern hospitality. And agreeing with Boysfield, Kimm continues by saying that Stephens’ is a “bundle of sunshine, open her up and her beautiful and refreshing light comes out.” The continuous compliments continued as Boysfield and Kimm brag about their new friend. Blushing, all Stephens’ could do was smile. Then, Kimm turns to Stephens, smiles and says, “I feel like I’ve known her forever…”