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Megan Van Maanen grew up in Rock Valley, Iowa, so Dordt was always on her radar as a quality Christian university.

Initially drawn to a technical school route because of its affordability and shorter timeline, Van Maanen carefully considered her options. As she reflected on what she truly wanted from her college experience—a vibrant campus life, a faith-filled community, and lasting connections—Dordt began to stand out. “After a while, I felt a strong sense that God was leading me to Dordt,” she says.

While she always enjoyed school, Van Maanen felt that a four-year plan was not ideal for her. “In high school, I discovered my passion and gifts in planning, organizing, and other administrative tasks,” explains Van Maanen. “When I learned that Dordt offered a two-year Administrative Assistant program, it felt like the perfect opportunity.”

For Van Maanen, learning practical skills was crucial, as she only had two years to prepare for the workforce. “I really enjoyed Advanced Office Admin because of its practical approach,” she says. “Each week we were given real-world administrative tasks: marketing plans, travel itineraries, budgets, and income statements. All of these assignments gave me a realistic preview of the business world.”

In addition to her courses, Van Maanen enjoyed participating in the Future Leaders and Mission Entrepreneurs (FLAME) and Women in Business clubs on campus. “I had the opportunity to build lasting friendships, grow professionally, and expand my network,” she says. “Women in Business especially helped me understand the power of connections in the business world, while FLAME provided hands-on experiences in collaboration and customer service.”

For many Dordt students, campus life is a meaningful part of their college experience. Van Maanen, who spent the first year commuting to campus, quickly realized this as well. “While I had many friends, not living on campus meant I didn’t have a roommate or a group to spend time with regularly, and I often missed the events happening on campus,” she explains. “That changed drastically during my sophomore year. I moved onto campus, and as I became more involved, the sense of community grew significantly. Weekly events were fun and made it easy to meet new people and deepen existing relationships.”

While some might think a two-year plan limits a student’s ability to participate in co-curriculars, this wasn’t true for Van Maanen. In addition to her involvement in business clubs on campus, she was also a member of Dordt’s women’s choir, Bella Voce.

Though her time on campus was short, Van Mannen’s experience was enriching both academically and spiritually. “Every professor incorporated a Christian perspective into the classroom, and the various faith journeys of classmates also inspired me to explore new ways to grow spiritually and consider how to incorporate faith into every area of life—including my career,” she says. “My faith also grew through Praise and Worship, chapel, and choir, which were all regular opportunities to praise God during my time at Dordt.”

Upon graduation, Van Maanen accepted a position as an Ag Account Manager at Perspective Insurance in Sioux Center, Iowa, assisting clients by updating policies and handling various service tasks. Additionally, she obtained her licenses in Property, Casualty, and Crop Insurance. “Dordt prepared me well for this position,” Van Maanen says. “I developed skills in professionalism and communication that are essential in my work. I also gained a clear understanding of administrative responsibilities through courses like Office Management and Advanced Office Admin.” Really, she believes each business course played a pivotal role in equipping her for her daily work and relationships in this position.

“Attending Dordt was truly a blessing,” she reflects. “The experiences and friendships I formed have left a lasting impact on my life. The connections I made and the personal and spiritual growth I experienced helped shape who I am today. Dordt gave me more than an education—it gave me a community and memories that I will cherish forever.”