Tyler Heisel '13
Hometown: Cantril, Iowa
Major: Art and Religion
What activities are you involved in?
At Coe I am involved in Alliance, Student Senate, Human Rights Advocates, Murray Hall B.O.D., Peer Ministry, Social Justice Allies, National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi), breaking in the new treadmills at the Clark Racquet Center, drinking coffee at Brewed Awakenings, pulling all-nighters with Whitney Hu, Carmen Simhauser, Alyssa Qualls, and other various persons, and loving life! I also work in the Admission Office, as well as the Office of Service-Learning and Leadership. In addition, I volunteer for the Aging Services Organization right here in Cedar Rapids.
Why should a prospective student choose Coe?
Because we have cookies! No, that isn't why, but the macadamia white chocolate cookies in the cafeteria are delicious! As a prospective student, I think that you should ask yourself what you want from the college that you choose to attend. If you want a college where the student comes first; where the professors are there for you both in and out of the classroom, by e-mail or on Facebook; where you will grow as a person, both in character and in knowledge; where the campus squirrels are fat and the birds sing you to sleep; where the city itself rarely sleeps and your life is what you make it; where you will become enriched through culture, socialization, and of course the cookies, then Coe may be the place for you.
How has Coe changed your life?
Coe has been my defining moment. I am in no way the same person that I was when I first moved to Cedar Rapids. When I came to Coe, I was planning on getting my Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education, going on to get my Master's, and settling down to devote my life to teaching. I am now a double major in Art and Religion. Coe has been a wonderful beginning to what I hope will be a long life of service, love, writing, smiling, and of course coffee!
What service opportunities are you active with?
Currently, I volunteer a couple of days a week for about an hour or so with the Aging Services organization. I serve as a friendly visitor to Mary, my adopted Grandmother. I read her mail to her, help her do odd jobs around the house like changing light bulbs and dusting, and above all I have the pleasure of sitting and talking with her.
Who is your favorite professor?
Dr. Meira Kensky is my home-girl from the great city of Chicago! It is because of her that I decided to major in Religion. She's loud, she's intense, and she really immerses you in the material that you are studying. Oftentimes, I will stop by her office to talk about my latest writing assignment (most recently I wrote an essay on Philippians, Paul's letter to the people of Philippi), enjoy a cup of coffee with her at Brewed Awakenings, or exchange articles with her via e-mail concerning various topics in Christianity.
What is your Sunday habit?
Typically on Sundays I try to take it easy and prepare for the next week. When I get up I put on a pot of coffee and fill out my weekly planner. Yet, Sundays are a great day to do laundry and clean your room. I try to get to the gym by 2 PM. I also meet with Social Justice Allies as well as the Murray Hall B.O.D. I typically end the day with Sunday Night Live (student-led Christian worship), some good music, and a few pages out of a good book.
