Providence Extension Program

Ode to PEP

Austin

PEP Student

After graduating from Hillsdale College with a degree in Mathematics, I accepted a position as an investment analyst for a Venture Capital and Investment Group. During the interview process, my employer explained that he wasn’t concerned with how well I knew their business; he wanted to make sure I knew how to think. I feel I was fully equipped for college and now the work force thanks to my PEP education. Because of the writing skills that I learned in my Rhetoric and English classes at PEP, several schools liked my essays enough to offer me academic scholarships.

On a spiritual level, I benefited from PEP throughout college. I found strength not only from the values and habits that I developed in PEP, but also from the friendship with one of my teachers that remains to this day.

Blake
Financial Analyst
Former PEP Student 

My first day of high school and of PEP was September 11, 2001. It was also PEP’s first day of existence. On that day of firsts, I had no idea what an impact PEP would make on me over the next four years. The teachers demonstrated to me a passion for truth and for serving Christ with every aspect of my life. They inspired in me a love of learning and truth, and most importantly, a passion for serving Christ with every aspect of my life. I saw modeled in their lives what it means to be a “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God,” and that demonstrated to me that it is possible, and so, so wonderful, to live totally for Jesus. I can say wholeheartedly that PEP prepared me very, very well for college and, most importantly, for life.

As a student at a college known for its rigorous academics, I found the transition to college-level classes very easy due to the PEP’s curriculum and college-like structure. PEP made me used to writing multiple papers and it taught me to think on my own and be able to teach myself. I was far better prepared for college level academics than most of my peers, thanks to PEP.

Michelle
student at Hillsdale College
Former PEP Student 

Deep thanks to all of my beloved PEP co-op tutors, who have ensured my survival, if not thorough enjoyment, of the academic life here. Any writing assignments I have thus far have been very doable. I never thought I would say thank you for making me write a 12-page paper, but here I am. :) Math is not so daunting, and I will never have to take a Calculus class because my SAT score in math was adequate. Next term, if I am to take a science class, I will probably choose Chemistry or the like. Also something I never thought I would say. Spanish class is going very well, and I'm in the Spanish 210 rather than 110. And the convocations here!!! Is anyone else in this college as excited as I am about seeing Aretha Franklin, Yo-Yo Ma, Romeo and Juliet by the Tchaikovsky Ballet and Orchestra and others? Thank you Mrs. Futoran, your love for beauty and culture is infectious. Thank you to EVERYONE at PEP, you have given me so much energy and passion and love of learning and the DETERMINATION to do all that I can and the best that I can do. PEPers ROCK!!

Kelley
freshman at Centre College
Former PEP Student 

Today, I wanted to inform you that I will be attending Xavier University in the fall. I found out that I had been awarded the full tuition scholarship worth just under $120,000. I never would have gotten here if it hadn't been for your help and for the help of my parents. Despite what I previously thought, the college application process does not look less enormously difficult in hindsight, and I am very grateful to you for your help.

Andre
Former PEP Student